The Great Starfish Mystery: Solving a Decade-Long Environmental Crisis

Scientists have identified bacteria as the culprit behind a mass sea star die-off along North America's Pacific coast, marking a significant breakthrough in understanding the mysterious disease. The discovery offers a chance to save these crucial marine creatures and restore balance to marine ecosystems threatened by overpopulated sea urchins.

In a landmark study, researchers have pinpointed the deadly bacteria responsible for the decimation of over five billion sea stars across the Pacific coast of North America. The mass die-off, which began in 2013, has threatened various species and continues to unsettle the marine ecosystem.

Scientists previously suspected a viral cause but have now identified the bacterium Vibrio pectenicida in the coelomic fluid of afflicted sea stars. This discovery offers hope for potential interventions to restore these vital marine organisms and, consequently, the broader ecosystem.

Efforts may include relocating healthy sea stars or breeding them in captivity. Such initiatives are critical as the decline of sea stars has led to an explosion of sea urchin populations, devastating vital kelp forests and impacting marine life dependent on these underwater 'rainforests.'

(With inputs from agencies.)