EXTINCTION!!! Memories of the Sunflower Sea Star

A new publication confirms the extirpation and possible extinction of the benthic ecosystem apex predator, the Sunflower Sea Star, Pycnopodia helianthoides, due the combined effects of abnormally warm sea water temperatures coupled with the effects of sea star wasting disease.

Pycnopodia helianthoides

Ochre star mortality during the 2014 wasting disease epizootic: role of population size structure and temperature

5.7B sunflower sea stars have died in past decade, bringing species to brink of extinction

After sunflower sea star demise, marine tragedy mounts

Sea star listed as critically endangered following research, News

NOAA Fisheries Proposes Listing Sunflower Sea Star as Threatened under Endangered Species Act

EXTINCTION!!! Memories of the Sunflower Sea Star

NOAA Fisheries Weighs Protection for Sunflower Sea Star Native to West Coast

Sunflower Sea Stars Now Critically Endangered

Diminished population of sunflower sea stars may get Endangered Species Act listing - Alaska Beacon

Stars for the Sea

Twilight for Sea Stars?

NOAA proposes listing sunflower sea stars as 'threatened' under endangered species act