Love is in the water for the critically endangered Sunflower Sea Star as a team in California successfully spawned and cross-fertilized gametes from a male and a female, resulting in fertile eggs. This success marks another incredible step forward in an ongoing collaborative effort to save the species from extinction.
This advancement took place at Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, where their experts were joined by partners from the Aquarium of the Pacific, California Academy of Sciences, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) and Sunflower Star Laboratory.
“The collaboration and support that contributed to achieving this milestone has been huge! Birch Aquarium takes great pride in being part of this extraordinary team working towards saving Sunflower Stars," said Melissa Torres, Assistant Dive Safety Officer and Aquarist at Birch Aquarium. "We’re excited to share the diverse genetics of our Sunflower Stars with zoos, aquariums and other partners who may lack sufficient population or access to diverse genetics."
The team used three different sperm samples from the same male to fertilize the eggs. Through this approach, the team can identify optimal sperm storage techniques to enhance the chances of successful egg fertilization in future attempts.
Each sample yielded fertilized eggs, marking a monumental advancement in the collective endeavor to bolster the population and genetic diversity of Sunflower Stars in accredited zoos and aquariums.
Some fertilized eggs remained at Birch Aquarium, while the rest were transported to the Aquarium of the Pacific, California Academy of Sciences and additional partners throughout California. Each partner will leverage their expertise towards the goal of culturing these fertilized eggs to larvae and then adulthood.
Melissa Torres from Birch Aquarium administers a spawn-inducing hormone to a female Sunflower Star.
A female Sunflower Sea Star spawns in its habitat at Birch Aquarium. Sea stars are broadcast spawners and females release eggs into the water via the gonads located on each arm.
Jenifer Burney from Aquarium of the Pacific and Riah Evin from California Academy of Sciences collect eggs from a female Sunflower Star.
Ashley Kidd from Sunflower Star Laboratory examines the eggs to see if they are fertilized.
Aquarium of the Pacific, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, California Academy of Sciences, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA), Sunflower Star Laboratory and partners continue work to save this species from extinction.
This collaboration is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) SAFE Sunflower Sea Star Program, co-led by the Aquarium of the Pacific and Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium. It also contributes to a comprehensive multi-faceted, multi-partner “Roadmap to Recovery” — led by The Nature Conservancy — to help accelerate the recovery of this species along the West Coast.
Sunflower Stars have been hit hard by sea star wasting disease that’s swept across the West Coast for the past decade. It's estimated that more than five billion Sunflower Stars have died from this disease. Efforts like this are one of many to come, and this special star has a massive group working to save them and the ecosystems that depend on them.
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About Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Birch Aquarium at Scripps is the public exploration center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Birch Aquarium features the groundbreaking work of Scripps Oceanography and UC San Diego scientists as well as conservation breeding programs and interactive exhibits. Birch Aquarium’s mission is to connect understanding to protecting our ocean planet, which it achieves through engaging hands-on learning opportunities for more than 500,000 guests and 40,000-plus pre-K-12 students each year. Visit aquarium.ucsd.edu for more information.
About Aquarium of the Pacific
The nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific is a community gathering place where diversity and the arts are celebrated and where important challenges facing our planet are explored. Home to more than 12,000 animals, Aquarium exhibits include the Southern California Gallery, Babies!, Coral Reefs: Nature’s Underwater Cities, Pacific Visions, and Shark Lagoon. Beyond its animal exhibits, the Aquarium offers educational programs for people of all ages, including First Wednesdays featuring guest speakers. The Aquarium offers memberships with unlimited FREE admission for 12 months and other special benefits. To make a donation to help support the Aquarium, please visit Pacific.to/donate. To visit, reservations are required for everyone and can be made at aquariumofpacific.org or by calling (562) 590-3100. The Aquarium of the Pacific is located at 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802.
About the California Academy of Sciences
The California Academy of Sciences is a renowned scientific and educational institution with a mission to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration. Based in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, it is home to a world-class aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum, as well as innovative programs in biodiversity science, environmental learning, and collaborative engagement—all under one living roof. Museum hours are 9:30 am – 5:00 pm Monday – Saturday, and 11:00 am – 5:00 pm on Sunday. Admission includes all exhibits, programs, and shows. For daily ticket prices, please visit www.calacademy.org or call (415) 379-8000 for more information.
About San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, a nonprofit conservation leader, inspires passion for nature and collaboration for a healthier world. The Alliance supports innovative conservation science through global partnerships. Through wildlife care, science expertise and collaboration, more than 44 endangered species have been reintroduced to native habitats. Annually, the Alliance reaches over 1 billion people, in person at the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and virtually in 150 countries through media channels, including San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers television programming in children’s hospitals in 13 countries. Wildlife Allies—members, donors and guests—make success possible.
About Sunflower Star Laboratory
