Save the Kelp

We are growing sunflower stars to aid in the management and recovery of this keystone species

In 2013, sea star wasting syndrome (SSWS) began devastating sea star populations along the west coast of North America, with sunflower stars (Pycnopodia helianthoides) becoming locally extinct in the shallow coastal waters where they served as a keystone predator, protecting kelp forests from overgrazing by urchins. Since then, many complex kelp forest ecosystems have become low-biodiversity urchin barrens. In collaboration with universities, aquariums, and research laboratories, Sunflower Star Laboratory aims to develop methods and mobilize resources to grow sunflower stars at the scale needed for recovery.