Find yourself in a sea of questions?
Let’s see if we can shed some light on the ocean.
First, we’ll start with your ocean related questions.
As we take in our observations of the world around us, we wonder about so many different things. Share your questions and concerns with us and how you think you make an impact on marine ecosystems. We’ll see if we can shed some light on the wonder around us.
Scroll down to see what other community members are asking and see some of the answers we’ve posted.
You asked.
We answered.
Selena, Sea Stars, & SSWD
In this episode, meet Dr. Selena McMillan as we answer three questions submitted by community members about sea stars along the west coast of North America.
Community member questions/concerns:
“How fast can starfish move?”
“Starfish—How are they doing? All the starfish, no matter the variety, died in Hood Canal about 2 or 3 years ago. Are they making a comeback anywhere along the West Coast?”
“Why did all the starfish die? Was is pollution, acidification, oxygenation, what?”
This animation was created using Adobe Animate. Information found in peer-reviewed research and from marine biologist Dr. Selena McMillan.
References:
Gudenkauf, B.M., & Hewson, I. (2015). Metatranscriptomic Analysis of Pycnopodia helianthoides (Asteroidea) Affected by Sea Star Wasting Disease. PLoS ONE 10(5), e0128150. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0128150
Harvell, C.D., Montecino-Latorre, D., Caldwell, J.M., Burt, J.M., Bosley, K., Keller, A., Heron, S.F., Salomon, A.K., Lee, L., Pontier, O., Pattengill-Semmens, C., & Gaydos, J.K. (2019). Disease epidemic and a marine heat wave are associated with the continental-scale collapse of a pivotal predator (Pycnopodia helianthoides). Science Advances, 5, eaau7042.
Menge B.A., Cerny-Chipman E.B., Johnson A., Sullivan J., Gravem S., & Chan F. (2016). Sea Star Wasting Disease in the Keystone Predator Pisaster ochraceus in Oregon: Insights into Differential Population Impacts, Recovery, Predation Rate, and Temperature Effects from Long-Term Research. PLoS ONE 11(5), e0153994. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0153994
Montecino-Latorre, D., Eisenlord, M.E., Turner, M., Yoshioka, R., Harvell, C.D., Pattengill-Semmens, C.V., Nichols, J.D., & Gaydos, J.K. (2016). Devastating Transboundary Impacts of Sea Star Wasting Disease on Subtidal Asteroids. PLoS ONE, 11(10), e0163190. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0163190
Montgomery, E.M. (2014). Predicting crawling speed relative to mass in sea stars. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 458, 27-33.
What we as a greater community are thinking about
“I impact the ocean largely, both negatively unfortunately in terms of contributing to the amount of trash and pollutants in the air due to driving and participating in society. As well as positively, being more consciously aware of my own consumption and relationships with all plastics. Advocating for the health of our oceans.”
“I am concerned about rapid loss of viable habitat for many organisms in the marine environment”
“Do alligators dive under the water and drink it? What DO they drink?”
“I don’t live anywhere near the ocean. What actions of mine have a negative impact on the health of marine ecosystems? What can I do to positively impact these ecosystems?”
“How do otters swim? I’m concerned about sea otters getting eaten by great white sharks.”
“I’m concerned about losing living reefs and marine life to pollution”
“My impact: I live in a state that produces ethanol for fuel, providing fertilizer excess to the Mississippi drainage system and causing widespread anoxia in the Gulf of Mexico”
“My impact: I’m trying to stop using single-use plastics”
“I am concerned about pollution harming otters”
“How does climate change affect the life (and lifespan) of marine life?”
“How do tide cycles actually work?”
“Eel grass- How can I best promote the development of eel grass along our waterfront on Hood Canal. I know how important it is as a fish nursery. Is there anything I can do?”