In 2013, a mysterious disease began killing sea stars along the Pacific coast of North America. The disease, known as sea star wasting syndrome (SSWS), spread quickly and killed millions of sea stars. By the end of 2014, the disease had decimated sea star populations in California, Oregon, and Washington.

SSWS is caused by a densovirus, a type of virus that is not harmful to humans. The virus infects sea stars through their tube feet, and it causes their bodies to waste away. Infected sea stars often lose their arms and legs, and they eventually die.

The loss of sea stars has had a devastating impact on marine ecosystems. Sea stars are important predators, and they help to control the populations of other animals, such as sea urchins and mussels. The loss of sea stars has also led to an increase in the number of kelp forests, which are underwater forests of seaweed. Kelp forests provide food and shelter for a variety of marine animals, and they are also important for absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

In recent years, there have been signs that sea star populations are beginning to recover. In California, the number of sea stars has increased in some areas, and new sea stars are being born. However, the recovery is still in its early stages, and it is not yet clear whether sea star populations will ever return to their former levels.

The recovery of sea star populations is important for the health of marine ecosystems. Sea stars play a vital role in controlling the populations of other animals, and they help to maintain the balance of marine ecosystems. The recovery of sea star populations is also important for the survival of kelp forests, which are important for providing food and shelter for a variety of marine animals and for absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Here are some things that you can do to help sea stars:

* Volunteer for a sea star monitoring program. Sea star monitoring programs help to track the populations of sea stars and identify areas where they are declining.

* Donate to a sea star research organization. Sea star research organizations are working to learn more about sea star wasting syndrome and to develop ways to prevent it.

* Reduce your carbon footprint. Reducing your carbon footprint helps to slow climate change, which is one of the factors that is contributing to sea star wasting syndrome.

* Educate yourself and others about sea stars. The more people who are aware of sea star wasting syndrome, the more likely we are to be able to stop it.