Story perspectives

Oregon's Sea Stars Bounce Back, But Challenges Remain

10/31/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Ochre sea stars are recovering along the Oregon coast after a decade-long wasting-disease decline, per a study by Oregon State University and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, with young populations at pre-crisis levels.
They are resuming their keystone-predator role by feeding on California mussels at pre-epidemic rates.
However, average body sizes remain 25% to 65% smaller, and disease still affects population stability.
Sunflower sea stars continue to struggle.

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Story summary

Ochre sea stars are recovering along the Oregon coast after a decade-long wasting-disease decline, per a study by Oregon State University and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, with young populations at pre-crisis levels.
They are resuming their keystone-predator role by feeding on California mussels at pre-epidemic rates.
However, average body sizes remain 25% to 65% smaller, and disease still affects population stability.
Sunflower sea stars continue to struggle.