Sea stars are dying off at dramatic rates across the West Coast from Baja California in Mexico to Alaska. The wasting disease that is affecting sea stars also is not specific to one species: more than 20 sea star species have been affected so far.
Sea Star Wasting Syndrome Map
Sea Star Wasting Syndrome Map
Recent observations of sea star wasting syndrome provided by the Pacific Rocky Intertidal Monitoring program.
Science to Support Aquatic Animal Health
Science to Support Aquatic Animal Health
A USGS fact sheet detailing how USGS research is using science-based solutions for aquatic health and disease mitigation.
USGS scientists have been part of team studying this new epidemic. Scientists have found a densovirus that may be responsible for the sea star deaths: Sea Star Associated Densovirus (SSaDV).
Cooperative Research
Virus Calculated as Culprit Killing Sea Stars — Soundwaves Newsletter
Sea Star Wasting Syndrome — Pacific Rocky Intertidal Monitoring
Nearshore Benthic Systems in the Gulf of Alaska — Gulf Watch Alaska
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