A disturbing discovery off Florida’s southeast coast has scientists on alert. For the first time sea star wasting disease (SSWD) has been confirmed in Florida’s Atlantic waters, with nine-armed sea stars in Lake Worth Cove found showing signs of the fast-moving and often fatal illness.
Researchers with UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center confirmed the presence of the disease after a July 2024 outbreak was observed and reported by a recreational snorkeler. Dozens of nine-armed sea stars were found with missing limbs, open wounds, and in some cases, completely disintegrating into the seafloor. This marks the first known case of the disease in this region and in this particular species.
SSWD has been devastating sea star populations along the Pacific coast from Alaska to Mexico for over a decade. It progresses quickly, often killing affected sea stars within days. Symptoms include curling arms, lesions, tissue loss, and body fragmentation. The cause of the disease remains unclear. While a densovirus was once believed to be the source, recent findings suggest that other pathogens or environmental stressors, such as elevated water temperatures and stormwater runoff, may be contributing factors.
Nine-armed sea stars are critical members of their ecosystem. As predators and scavengers, they stir up sediment while feeding, which helps maintain the balance of seagrass beds and supports young sportfish that rely on those habitats. A decline in their population could have ripple effects on the entire seafloor community.
Our Foundation has long supported the fight against marine wildlife diseases, including funding major efforts to combat the spread of stony coral tissue loss disease, one of the deadliest coral diseases in the world. Like corals, sea stars are foundational to their ecosystems. Losing them would mean losing the services they provide to other marine life and to the people who depend on healthy oceans.
As we learn more about the cause and impact of SSWD in Florida, we’ll share opportunities for you to get involved. Whether it’s supporting research or helping raise awareness, your actions can make a difference when the time comes.
