Overview

• A study in Nature Ecology & Evolution definitively identifies Vibrio pectenicida as the cause of the decade-long sea star wasting epidemic after ruling out viral agents
• Field teams have rolled out noninvasive coelomic fluid tests to screen live sea stars for bacterial infection before visible symptoms emerge
• Scientists are trialing probiotic treatments in laboratory and field settings to strengthen sea star defenses against the pathogen
• Captive-breeding programs at the California Academy of Sciences and Pacific Northwest research centers are producing disease-resistant sunflower sea stars for future reintroduction
• Ongoing investigations are examining how rising ocean temperatures may amplify bacterial outbreaks and inform strategies to prevent repeat die-offs