Long-term nearshore subtidal sea star observations pre and post Sea Star Wasting Disease (SSWD) in the central US Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Speaker

Nancy Elder, USGS Western Fisheries Research Center, Marrowstone Marine Station, Nordland, WAFollow
Steve Rubin, USGS Western Fisheries Research Center, Seattle WAFollow
Ian Miller, Washington Sea Grant, Port Angeles WAFollow
Melissa M. Foley, USGS Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Santa Cruz CAFollow
Matt Beirne, Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, Port Angeles WAFollow
Mike McHenry, Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, Port Angeles WAFollow
Jeff Duda, USGS Western Fisheries Research Center, Seattle WAFollow
Marshall Hoy, USGS Western Fisheries Research Center, Seattle WAFollow
Rob Pedersen, USEPA Region 10, Seattle WAFollow

Presentation Abstract

In June of 2013 sea stars (asteroids) on the Northeast Pacific Coast began to experience an outbreak of sea star wasting disease (SSWD), which caused mass die-offs from Alaska to Baja. Scuba surveys to assess pre and post Elwha River dam removal effects on benthic macroalgae, macroinvertebrates, and fish, in the Elwha subtidal region were conducted in July and August from 2008 to 2015. Two control sites to the east and west of the Elwha were also surveyed. Surveys include a comprehensive data set of densities for 14 species of sea stars. Symptoms of SSWD were not observed in any sea star during the 2013 surveys and densities were consistent with the 2008-2012 surveys. However, densities dropped dramatically in 2014 for most species except blood stars (Henricia spp.) Sea stars exhibiting SSWD symptoms (lesions, loss of turgor, limb autotomy) were also observed at multiple sites. Results from the 2015 surveys show continued low densities or a complete absence of some species (vermillion star, Mediaster aequalis), but evidence of recovery was also observed for the sunflower star (Pycnopodia helianthoides). While no Pycnopodia adults were encountered, numerous juveniles were seen at many locations. These surveys will continue and therefore provide the opportunity to assess effects of SSWD on sea stars and, in turn, how sea star population changes affect other components of the shallow subtidal community.

Session Title

Toxic Contaminants in Salish Sea Biota

Keywords

Keywords: sea stars, subtidal, sea star wasting disease, SSWD, Pycnopodia, Henricia, Strait of Juan de Fuca, Elwha, scuba, surveys, population densities

Conference Track

Fate and Effects of Pollutants

Conference Name

Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2016 : Vancouver, B.C.)

Document Type

Event

Start Date

2016 12:00 AM

End Date

2016 12:00 AM

Location

2016SSEC

Type of Presentation

Poster

Genre/Form

conference proceedings; presentations (communicative events); posters

Contributing Repository

Digital content made available by University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.

Subjects – Topical (LCSH)

Starfishes--Counting--Juan de Fuca, Straight of (B.C. and Wash.); Starfishes--Diseases--Juan de Fuca, Straight of (B.C. and Wash.)

Geographic Coverage

Juan de Fuca, Straight of (B.C. and Wash.); Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.)

Comments

Keywords: sea stars, subtidal, sea star wasting disease, SSWD, Pycnopodia, Henricia, Strait of Juan de Fuca, Elwha, scuba, surveys, population densities

Rights

This resource is displayed for educational purposes only and may be subject to U.S. and international copyright laws. For more information about rights or obtaining copies of this resource, please contact University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225-9103, USA (360-650-7534; heritage.resources@wwu.edu) and refer to the collection name and identifier. Any materials cited must be attributed to the Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference Records, University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.

Type

Text

Language

English

Format

application/pdf