Starfish Could be in Respiratory Distress Due to Warming Ocean, Organic matter
Written by AZoCleantechJan 7 2021
Across the globe, a mysterious wasting disease has almost destroyed sea star populations for over seven years. A few of these species are now on the verge of extinction.
A healthy starfish is presented in Ian Hewson’s laboratory. Sea stars along the Pacific Coast are not so fortunate, as large amounts of organic matter may be robbing them of an ability to breathe. Image Credit: Ian Hewson Laboratory/Provided.
A new study under the guidance of Cornell University indicates that starfish, victims of sea star wasting disease (SSWD), might be in respiratory distress literally drowning in their own habitats as increased microbial activity caused by proximate organic matter and warm ocean temperatures suppress the potential of the creatures to breathe.
Organic Matter, Bacteria Doom Sea Stars to Oxygen Depletion Details
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For more than seven years, a mysterious wasting disease has nearly killed off sea star populations around the world. Some of these species stand at the brink of extinction.
For more than seven years, a mysterious wasting disease has nearly killed off sea star populations around the world. Some of these species stand at the brink of extinction.
New Cornell-led research suggests that starfish, victims of sea star wasting disease (SSWD), may actually be in respiratory distress – literally “drowning” in their own environment – as elevated microbial activity derived from nearby organic matter and warm ocean temperatures rob the creatures of their ability to breathe.