Scientists at the University of Washington, in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy, are raising sunflower sea stars in captivity, with the goal of learning more about this species and exploring eventual reintroduction to the wild, if determined to be advisable.

The sunflower sea star population, once abundant from Alaska to Southern California, was nearly destroyed by a mysterious wasting disease that has affected many sea stars in the ocean, but none so catastrophic as the sunflower star. In December 2020, the species was listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, prompting a new focus on recovery efforts including captive breeding.

The researchers at UW Friday Harbor Laboratories on San Juan Island currently are raising sea stars in several phases of development, including newly born larvae, mini juveniles and fully grown adults. Sunflower sea stars, the largest sea star species in the world, will grow up to 24 arms and a colorful body the size of a serving platter.

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