Samish Nation releases lab-raised sunflower stars to revive endangered sea creatures
The Samish Indian Nation transported 20 captive sunflower stars from a Friday Harbor lab to a protected cove off Decatur Island, hoping to re-establish the critically endangered species in its traditional waters.
On a windy spring morning, the Samish Indian Nation’s research boat Chinook (Yómech) set out from Anacortes, Washington, to deliver 20 lab-raised sunflower stars to a sheltered cove off Decatur Island, within traditional Samish territory. The stars, cultivated at the University of Washington’s Friday Harbor Laboratories, had been delayed from an October release due to a severe sea-star wasting disease that has decimated billions of sea stars along the Pacific coast.
Over the past year, Samish biologist Sam Strauss and UW scientists, including Jason Hodin, have worked to breed and treat the creatures, naming many after snack foods. After a careful drop-off, divers observed the stars quickly exploring the kelp habitat, and a May check found 14 alive and disease-free. The tribe emphasizes the species’ role in controlling sea urchin populations that threaten kelp forests, which in turn support fisheries and shoreline stability. Ongoing efforts include larger releases elsewhere on the West Coast and a planned zero-emission research vessel to aid future conservation work.
Why it matters
Restoring sunflower stars could help revive kelp forests, which are crucial for coastal ecosystems and local fisheries.
In this story
