In a breakthrough for marine ecosystems, research reveals that cooler waters in fjords may be protecting sunflower sea stars from the devastating Sea Star Wasting Disease.
Cool Water Could Protect Sea Stars from Mysterious Disease
Understanding the Threat of Sea Star Wasting Disease
Sea star wasting disease (SSWD) has been a devastating force in marine ecosystems, particularly on the Pacific coast of North America. The disease has ravaged populations of sunflower sea stars (Pycnopodia helianthoides), causing widespread death and leaving many species without a key predator. Researchers have long sought to understand the causes of SSWD, with various theories ranging from microbial to environmental factors.
Sea star wasting disease (SSWD) is a condition affecting sea stars, causing them to lose their arms and eventually die.
First identified in 2013 off the coast of Washington State, it has since spread to other parts of North America.
The exact cause remains unknown, but research suggests a combination of factors, including climate change, water temperature fluctuations, and a pathogen or virus.
Sea stars with SSWD exhibit lesions, discoloration, and loss of appendages.
Scientists are working to understand the disease's dynamics and potential connections to ocean health.
Fjords as a Refuge for Sea Stars
Recent studies suggest that cooler temperatures in fjords may provide protection for sunflower sea stars against SSWD. In these cold waters, sea stars are more abundant and have healthier populations than those found in warmer waters on the outer coast. Researchers believe that the cooler temperatures in the fjords may limit the spread of the disease, allowing refuge populations to thrive.
Environmental Factors at Play
The discovery of refuge populations in fjord-dwelling sea stars has significant implications for our understanding of SSWD. By assessing environmental conditions and biological metrics, researchers can better understand how temperature and other factors contribute to the development of the disease. Lower temperatures have been shown to slow down disease progression in related species, suggesting that cooler waters may play a crucial role in mitigating the effects of SSWD.
Environmental factors refer to external influences that affect an organism's survival and development.
These can be abiotic, such as temperature, light, and water, or biotic, including other living organisms like predators, competitors, and symbionts.
Climate change, 'one of the most pressing issues of our time' , pollution, deforestation, and habitat destruction are significant environmental concerns.
Human activities like agriculture, industry, and transportation contribute to these issues, impacting ecosystems and biodiversity.
Implications for Ecosystems
The loss of sea stars due to SSWD has far-reaching consequences for marine ecosystems. Without these key predators, sea urchin populations can explode, leading to the degradation of kelp forests and habitats for many other species. The discovery of refuge populations in fjords offers hope that some ecosystems may be able to recover from this devastating disease.
Sea stars, also known as starfish, are marine invertebrates belonging to the class Asteroidea.
They have a distinctive body shape with five or more radiating arms and can be found in oceans worldwide.
With over 2,000 species, sea stars play a crucial role in marine ecosystems by preying on mussels, clams, and other shellfish.
Some species of sea stars are also important indicators of ocean health due to their sensitivity to environmental changes.
Ongoing Research
While the discovery of refuge populations is a significant breakthrough, researchers are just beginning to explore the underlying causes of SSWD. Further studies are needed to understand how temperature and microbes interact to cause the disease. By continuing to investigate these factors, scientists hope to develop new strategies for mitigating the effects of SSWD and protecting vulnerable marine ecosystems.
- sciencenews.org | Cool water could protect sea stars from a mysterious disease
