Billions of sea stars have died. A Northwest tribe is trying to save the species

Sunflower sea stars have declined sharply in Pacific Ocean waters since a disease outbreak began in 2013. Researchers at the University of Washington and the Samish Indian Nation have partnered on a breeding program to restore populations of the species, which can grow up to 24 arms. The Samish Indian Nation has cultural and historical ties to the sea star and has traditionally harvested them. The breeding program aims to produce juvenile sea stars for eventual release into the wild.

Next story