Scientists Identify Bacterial Cause of Sea Star Wasting Disease
Researchers have pinpointed Vibrio pectenicida as the bacterium responsible for the mass die-off of sea stars along the Pacific coast since 2013.
Since 2013, a mysterious disease has decimated sea star populations along the Pacific coast of North America, affecting over 20 species and resulting in the loss of billions of individuals. The sunflower sea star, in particular, experienced a population decline of approximately 90% within the first five years of the outbreak.
Recent research has identified the bacterium Vibrio pectenicida as the cause of this mass die-off. The study, published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, involved detailed analysis of the coelomic fluid—the internal fluid surrounding sea star organs—where the bacterium was found. This discovery resolves a long-standing question about the disease's origin.
The disease, known as sea star wasting syndrome, causes lesions, limb detachment, and rapid tissue decay, often leading to death within days. The decline of sea stars has had significant ecological impacts, including unchecked sea urchin populations that have devastated kelp forests, which serve as vital marine habitats.
With the identification of the causative agent, scientists are now exploring conservation efforts such as breeding sea stars in captivity, investigating natural immunity, and developing treatments like probiotics to boost resistance to the disease. These initiatives aim to restore sea star populations and, by extension, the health of Pacific marine ecosystems.