‘Melting’ Starfish Along West Coast Prompts Fukushima Fears

Scientists are attempting to find out why one species of starfish is literally melting in the waters off of Washington state and Canada. Biologists in Seattle took to the water last weekend to collect diseased and healthy sunflower starfish for testing. Several labs including one at Cornell University will examine and compare samples with the Canadian specimens already being analyzed. “We’ve got some sea stars that look like they’re melting on the bottom,” Seattle Aquarium biologists Jeff Christiansen said. Whether the cause is environmental or disease related is currently unknown, but the number of melting starfish increase by the day. “At this time, we don’t have a good idea of what’s causing it, so we’re going to look for everything,” Christiansen said. “There are a lot of melting sea stars out there, more than even a couple days ago.” According to Veterinarian Lesanna Lahner, the starfish species condition is rapidly deteriorating, with more than half displaying the same disturbing symptoms. “It’s concerning to hear in a short time period we’re seeing 60% of this species diseased in this area,” Lahner said. Strangely, the symptoms have only been found in certain areas of the Puget Sound and Canadian waters.



Read more about ‘Melting’ Starfish Along West Coast Prompts Fukushima Fears