Starfish, iconic inhabitants of the seabed, face a new threat on Florida's Atlantic coast. following the detection of a disease that has already caused havoc for years in the Pacific. Experts warn of the serious concern posed by the geographical expansion of this pathology., known as Starfish Wasting Disease, in an environment where it had not been recorded until now.
A team of scientists from the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida has confirmed the presence of the disease in the region after observing affected specimens in John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, in the Palm Beach area. What began as a problem limited to the Pacific Ocean has been compromising entire populations of sea stars for over a decade, altering the balance of marine communities. Now, the concern is twofold: not only has it crossed the continent, but for the first time it is affecting the nine-armed sea star (Luidia senegalensis), a key species in Florida's coastal ecosystems.
The diagnosis is based on observations made during the summer of 2024., when several specimens showed amputated limbs, open wounds and signs of body decomposition on the seabed, characteristic symptoms of the disease. This is the first documented case both in Florida and in this specific species., which implies a significant change in the monitoring of outbreaks.
The causes of the spread are still being investigated., although experts point to environmental factors such as rising water temperatures, falling tides and the arrival of runoff waters after heavy rains. What is striking is that, unlike other episodes described on the west coast of the United States and Canada, genetic analyses conducted in Florida have not detected the densovirus, the main suspect in the Pacific outbreaks. This leads one to believe that The recently detected disease could have a still unknown origin.
The role of the nine-armed starfish in the ecosystem is especially relevant: It is responsible for removing sediment from the seafloor and plays a crucial role in regulating invertebrates in its habitat. A decline in its population can disrupt food chains and essential ecological processes.
Given this situation, researchers are calling for increased surveillance in Florida and other locations along the Atlantic coast with similar conditions. The appearance of the disease outside its traditional area highlights the vulnerability of marine ecosystems and the need for further studies. to understand how and why the ocean gap has occurred and what measures can be taken to protect these key species.
The scientific community insists on the ecological value of starfish, true guardians of the health of the seabed.The evolution of this outbreak and its possible consequences will be closely monitored in the coming months, aware that The future of numerous species and the balance of the environment could depend on the responses given to this natural emergency..
