G. Allison

I just learned the sad news that the sunflower sea star, Pycnopodia helianthoides, has been listed as critically endangered by the IUCN. A massive survey lead by Oregon State University researchers has found that their population has collapsed and is showing little sign of recovery.

During my research stint in Oregon in the 1990’s, it was a special treat to come across these spectacular animals.   They weren’t uncommon, but they inhabited the lowest zone of the intertidal and so were not exposed to me very often.  They are voracious predators, often targeting sea urchins.

In 2013, the species, along with many other sea star species, was devastated by an epidemic, the Sea Star Wasting Syndrome.  While most other species of stars have begun to rebound, P. helianthoides has not.