Walker Hobson

The Salish Sea is still reeling from the loss of one of its most important predators: the sunflower sea star. Once abundant, these vibrant, multi-armed sea stars were nearly wiped out by sea star wasting disease starting in 2013, with more than 90% of the population lost across their range. Without them, sea urchin populations have boomed, overgrazing kelp forests that countless marine species depend on.

At the University of Washington’s Friday Harbor Laboratories, our scholar has been part of the first-ever effort to reintroduce captive-bred sunflower sea stars into the wild. Through careful scuba surveys, they monitor the survival and behavior of the released juveniles, gathering critical information about how these animals adapt and thrive outside the lab. Each sighting is a small but powerful sign that recovery may be possible.

This project is groundbreaking — not only for the future of the sunflower sea star, but for restoring balance in coastal ecosystems. It shows that restoration is not just a hopeful idea but a practical path forward, built on science, persistence, and collaboration.

By helping reestablish this keystone species, this work is contributing to the health of kelp forests, fisheries, and the overall resilience of the Salish Sea.