I didn’t even know that the starfish wasting disease existed until I heard it on one of my favourite podcasts called “no such thing as a fish”.

I better mention straight away that it does not affect the Maldives. Most cases are located on the West coast of North America affecting sea stars from Baja California to Alaska.

SSWS is the abbreviation for the Sea Star Wasting Syndrome. It is still a mysterious disease that keeps scientist puzzled and concerned at the same time. The cause might be linked to the increase in water temperatures or a bacteria. Studies are under way. Citizen scientists and community organizations are joining forces with researchers to monitor and report outbreaks, contributing valuable data to aid in understanding the patterns and progression of the disease.

To start off with the SSWS makes starfish refuse food. Once they stop eating, they go limp. Their bodies get a deflated appearance and go goey. They might show twisted limbs as well as lesions. They also loose limbs and finally they lose their grip on the reef. Once affected with the disease the starfish dies within 1 week.

The disease affects approximately 40 species. The first plague was recorded in 1972 with others following in 1978 and in 2013. Since 2012, 5 billion starfish have died which decreased their population by 90%.

Sea Stars play a role in maintaining a balance by controlling populations of other marine species like mussels and sea urchins. The decline in the starfish population disrupts this ecological balance which could affect the ecosystem.