Sea Star Monitoring at Tonquin Beach

The inter-tidal region on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia is a rich environment that supports a diversity of species. Sea stars are beautiful and vibrant animals that play an important role in the inter-tidal ecosystem. Recently the iconic sea stars have been suffering mass mortality events all along the Northeast Pacific coast; up to 20 different species of sea stars have been affected by sea star wasting syndrome (SSWS). The disease has recently been linked to a virus and symptoms include lesions, limb autotomy, loss of turgor, and eventually death by rapid tissue disintegration. The rapid change in the ecological makeup of the inter-tidal could have grave repercussions.

Once per month through the summer we survey three locations on the coast looking for sea stars and monitoring the presence of wasting disease. Contact us to sign up for this event.

*Youth under 13 must be accompanied by adults.
*Dress for the weather, be prepared for weather changes, and wear closed toe shoes (gumboots are best).

PC: Kyler Vos

April 2024

May 2024

June 2024

July 2024

August 2024