Sneaky Suspect: The Culprit Behind Sea Star Wasting Disease

Sea stars are important Pacific Northwest predators, maintaining ecosystem balance. Unfortunately, a devastating disease, Sea Star Wasting Disease (SSWD), struck these marine invertebrates. SSWD started as a massive outbreak in 2013. While it actually was first detected along the Washington coast, it rapidly spread from Alaska down to Mexico, causing sea stars to disintegrate and decimating many populations. While the outbreak peaked around 2014, it continues to affect sea stars. After years of research, though, scientists finally have an answer as to what is causing this disease. Grace Crandall, a PhD student at the University of Washington, joins us on this episode to talk about the culprit as well as implications to, and status of, local sea star populations.