SEA STAR WASTING DISEASE AT ALKI (CONSTELLATION MARINE RESERVE)

February 27, 2014   Weather:  45 deg no rain or wind.   8:30-9:30 PM
Volunteers completed another survey of Sea Star Wasting Disease at Constellation Marine Reserve during the low tide (minus 1')  Purple and Mottled Sea Stars were examined for various levels of the wasting disease along an exposed section of abandon sewer pipe near the south end of the reserve.
29 Purple Sea Stars were examined and one possible Mottled Star.
Disease rate was approximately 48%  with stages 1 most common and stage 2 less common.
In addition 15 unidentified (Purple or Mottled) sea star juveniles were observed on or near the pipeline 2 of which were showing signs of disease.
March 22 2014.  A count of 104 Purple Stars at the northern 1/3 of Constellation Marine Reserve showed wasting disease in only 1 star (level 1) with two others having possible symptoms.  The remaining Purple Stars all appeared healthy but many were not totally visible.

For more information:  http://www.eeb.ucsc.edu/pacificrockyintertidal/data-products/sea-star-wasting/updates.htmlhttp://data.piscoweb.org/marine1/seastardisease.html

Map of West Coast with areas of wasting disease plotted and species listed.
http://data.piscoweb.org/marine1/seastardisease.html

Purple Sea Stars on old sewer pipe Constellation Marine Reserve Seattle

Purple Sea Stars on old sewer pipe Constellation Marine Reserve Seattle

Sea Star Wasting Disease (white areas)

Survey Team

Checking for wasting disease

What appeared to be a 3 siphon Gaper Clam (but likely only 2 siphon)