Eighteen Sunflower Sea Stars Found in Northern California Sanctuary Waters

The Independent reported that eighteen spiny sunflower sea stars were located last summer in the waters of the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced the discovery this month. The species spans over three feet in length and uses 16 to 24 arms to prey on purple sea urchins.

Sea star wasting disease caused the earlier die-off that killed six billion sea stars from 2013 to 2017. Researchers have identified the bacterium Vibrio pectenicida as responsible. The loss of sunflower sea stars allowed urchin populations to increase, resulting in a 90 percent loss of kelp forest habitat in the Farallones.

Kelp forests extend from Alaska to the Mexican border and support nearly 800 other keystone species. A hectare of kelp forest absorbs 40 tons of carbon dioxide each year. The 2026 “Godzilla” El Niño climate pattern is currently affecting kelp growth and survival.

The discovery occurred during Sonoma State University’s first “Pycnopalooza” diving event. Researchers collected genetic tissues, water samples, and ecological data. ” Researchers at San Diego’s Birch Aquarium have previously spawned sunflower star larvae in laboratories.

The sunflower sea star is considered a threatened species. The Trump administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service did not meet a deadline to propose protections under the Endangered Species Act. The Center for Biological Diversity is suing the administration over the missed deadline.

NOAA Fisheries stated that work on the listing proposal has not yet been completed and that the agency continues to prioritize mission-critical research and actions.