Scientists work to restore sunflower sea stars to revive California kelp forests

Researchers are reintroducing sunflower sea stars to help recover Pacific kelp forests, which have declined by 95% over the past decade as the predatory species vanished from the ecosystem.

First covered Oct 13, 2026 · 5:00 AM PT · 1 article · no longer in the live window

Scientists work to restore sunflower sea stars to revive California kelp forests — Image via theguardian.com

Coverage

29d Guardian Environment Scientists deploy a 24-armed secret weapon to save California’s kelp forests — Team works to restore the sunflower sea star as 95% of these key underwater ecosystems have been decimated along the Pacific coast in past decade Off the coast…

Primary sources

oceanservice.noaa.gov How much oxygen comes from the ocean?

More coverage from around the web

yahoo.com These predators may soon restore California's battered kelp forests

independent.com Endangered Sunflower Stars Return to Sea Center - The Santa Barbara Independent

fisheries.noaa.gov Scientists Breed Sunflower Sea Stars Key to Reviving California’s Imperiled Kelp Forests

aza.org First Temporary Experimental Outplanting of Sunflower Stars in California Marks Major Milestone in Ocean Recovery

montereycountynow.com Sunflower sea stars are one step closer to returning to ocean as research paves way for future restoration.

Appeared in: 2026-10-14 (#15)

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