HMSC Jan Science On Tap

Description

Speaker: Sara Hamilton, Dept of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University Topic: Topic: Going, Going.... Gone? Conservation outlook for the Sunflower Star One of the largest and fastest sea stars in the world, the Sunflower Star used to be a common site for scuba divers across the west coast. As voracious predators, they helped control the abundance of other species, including kelp-munching urchins. When Sea Star Wasting Syndrome hit in 2013 however, this star was one of the most impacted species. Eight years later, using data gathered from Alaska to Baja, we quantified just how badly their populations were impacted and now are asking: Where are they left? Are there any ways we can help the species recover? What does this mean for kelp forests? Come learn about marine diseases, the IUCN Red List, kelp forests, endangered species, and more!