"Since June 2013, millions of starfish off the coasts of California, Washington, and Oregon have mysteriously died off as a result of a virus called sea star wasting syndrome. This syndrome works by slowly detaching the starfish’s limbs from its body, ultimately resulting in a mutilated carcass that winds up on the ocean shore.
Starfish are keystone species, meaning they hold an important position in the ecosystems in which they inhabit. Starfish represent a vital predator in the intertidal zones, munching on mussels and other shellfish. If these species are allowed to grow without regulation by the starfish, unprecedented consequences could occur.
At this moment, hundreds of starfish continue to suffer from this virus or become newly infected with it. The time is now for us to act. Help us encourage President Obama to make saving the starfish a priority, like he has recently done with the honeybee."
