For several years the west coast of Canada as well parts of Alaska and as far south as Baja California have suffered from a sea star die off. Scientist claimed it was caused by an increase in water temperature due to global warming or some sort of ocean infection but no one knew for sure.
It has been very strange diving sites that I had visited for years and not see a single sea star. This phenomenon was dubbed Sea Star Wasting Disease. Sea stars would literally melt way. It was very disturbing to see.
As more and more research was done no specific cause has been found. However there is hope for a little optimism the die off seems to have slowed and in some areas stopped. Sea star populations have started to come back but only in very small numbers.
Scientist are very uncertain and cautious about predictions for the future relating to a sea star comeback and recovery. Only time will tell. I have seen certain species more frequently on my recent dives but still miss the days of the giant piles of purple stars along the shoreline and in shallows.
Thanks for reading.
Scott
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