Sea Stars
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I became interested in sea stars because where I live on the Puget Sound inlet sea stars are dying in record numbers. It turns out in fact that sea stars are dying all over the U.S. west coast. I have a curiosity in epidemiology(from purely a spectator standpoint). I care about the waters of the Puget Sound. These sea stars are dying from a wasting disease that leaves them unable to cling to anything and they die within three-days of the onset of the disease. Scientist suspect the rise in water temperature may have something to do with it.
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Sea stars are beautiful creatures and an important part of our waters eco system. Perhaps there is hope; this is not the first wasting disease outbreak and many species have survived. The good news is that this year there are record numbers of babies upping the sear star population. Here is an encouraging story from National Geographic.
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