Scientists Identify Bacteria Behind Pacific Sea Star Die-Off

story

AUG 5

Above: Starfish on a sand beach in Key West, United States. Image copyright: Unsplash

story last updated AUG 5

The Spin

Narrative A

This breakthrough finally offers the tools to combat one of the ocean's most devastating epidemics. After a decade of watching these magnificent creatures decline, scientists can now develop targeted treatments, such as probiotics, and breed disease-resistant sea stars for reintroduction programs.

Independent Guardian

Narrative B

While identifying the bacterium marks progress, the real challenge lies ahead in understanding what triggered this pathogen to go rogue after existing harmlessly in ocean waters for years. Climate change and warming waters may have created conditions that allowed Vibrio pectenicida to proliferate and devastate sea star populations.

Inside Climate News The Mercury News CBC News