10/06/2026
Amazing! Sunflower stars are such an important part of balancing the underwater ecosystem of the West Coast.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1C8X2VxSMP/
For the first time in California, lab-reared sunflower stars are roaming the ocean floor in Monterey Bay as part of a collaborative research project to inform the restoration of this marine predator.
Led by conservation nonprofit Sunflower Star Laboratory, in collaboration with Reef Check Foundation, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California State University, Monterey Bay, Phil Sammet’s Underwater Company, and marine operations staff at Hopkins Marine Station Stanford University, this research marks numerous advancements in the fight to save the IUCN-listed, critically-endangered sunflower star.
The series of temporary caged and uncaged field studies have revealed striking results regarding the strong kelp restoration potential of sunflower stars that will help guide the future of their recovery in the state.
Head to the đź”— below to read the full release!
https://www.sunflowerstarlab.org/news/sunflower-star-laboratory-restoration-research
Photos courtesy of