Some of the Oceans’ Most Important Creatures Take Center Stage Aquarium of the Pacific Opens “Stars of the Sea” Exhibition By Photographer and Contributor Steve Tabor
Many of us exploring our local tidepools peer through the rippling waters looking for the variety of creatures that have found refuge in these small pools while waiting for the tide to rise once again. Some evade our grasps by hiding in little nooks, others like the sea star, also known as a starfish, cling to the rocks with their tube feet.
Sea stars were once a predominant figure in our tidepools and the depths of our oceans, but with approximately 2,000 species threatened by Sea Star Wasting Disease (SSWD), populations are rapidly dwindling, and some populations are on the threshold of extinction.
Similar to leprosy, SSWD starts as a small lesion on the exoskeleton of the sea star. As it progresses, it causes body fragmentation and eventually, death. It is estimated that nearly 5 billion sea stars have died because of SSWD since 2018.
Pink sea stars are found along the eastern Pacific coastline from California to Alaska. It is commonly found in subtidal zones and can be found exposed to the air clinging to rocky reefs during low tide. Clams are a favorite food for Pink sea stars, who wrap their arms around both sides of the clams and use their tube feet to open the shell. Once the shell is open, the sea star expels their stomach inside the shells and ingests the exposed meat.
Sea stars are an integral member of the marine ecosystem. Some like the sunflower sea star and the ochre sea star feed on sea creatures like sea urchins and mussels keeping their populations in balance, so other sea creatures have ample food supplies and environments that support their life cycles.
With over 20 sea stars on display in the “Stars of the Sea” exhibits, the Aquarium of the Pacific (Aquarium) is highlighting the variety of sea stars found throughout the oceans of the world, their role in maintaining the delicate balance of nature, and the Aquarium’s efforts in restoring the sunflower sea star population.
Ochre sea stars are found in the low intertidal to middle intertidal zones from Mexico to Alaska. They range in color from purple, orange, ochre, yellow, red or brown. They are considered a keystone species because of their ability to control the mussel population in and around tidepool areas.
Outside on the Aquarium’s patio, the Aquarium has re-imagined their touchpool experience with the “Our Living Coastline” exhibit. The exhibit recreates a rocky shoreline complete with surging waters, a variety of depth levels allowing visitors to touch and examine the sea stars on display and below water viewing windows. The exhibit’s inhabitants include a collection of creatures found in the coastal waters of northern and southern California, such as bat sea stars, ochre sea stars, sea urchins, and sea anemones.
Inside the Aquarium, exhibits feature habitats found along the coastal waters from Baja to Alaska. More exotic exhibits feature creatures and habitats for sea stars found in the Indo-Pacific region, deep sea habitats off the Japanese coast, and the Galapagos Islands.
Spiny brittle sea stars are found in on sandy bottom habitats hiding under rocks or cervices from Northern California to Peru.
As part of “Stars of the Sea” exhibition, the Aquarium’s staff is highlighting their work to restore the nearly extinct population of sunflower sea stars which are found in the waters from Baja California to Alaska. Some members of the project, like the Aquarium nurture sunflower sea star embryos in a controlled environment at their respective facilities with the hope that the embryos can be used to reestablish the population in the wild as well as serve as breeding partners for future generations.
Although this juvenile is about the size of a silver dollar it will take little time for it to grow to a 3 feet diameter and have as many as 26 arms. Sunflower sea stars are considered a keystone species because they protect the kelp forests by preventing an overabundance of the sea urchin populations from Baja California to Alaska.
“At the Aquarium of the Pacific, we’ve been deeply involved in sunflower sea star recovery efforts for several years now. We’re co-leading the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s (AZA) SAFE Sunflower Sea Star program. SAFE stands for Saving Animals From Extinction, and it brings together zoos, aquariums, and scientists to support species in critical need. We’re also proud to join the Pacific Coast Ocean Restoration initiative last year, working closely with partners up and down the coast to facilitate the recovery and potential reintroduction of sunflower stars to parts of its historic range,” said Johnathan Casey, Aquarium of the Pacific curator.
Often found on rocky bottoms and near the holdfast of giant kelp strands, the Sunflower sea stars are a key component to maintaining a healthy kelp forest. Photograph by Marco Mazza.
Nate Jaros, the Aquarium’s Vice President of Animal Care, Fish and Invertebrates states, “Through our work raising sunflower sea stars, we’re hoping for brighter times ahead for this keystone species. Not only do these stars protect our kelp forests, but in turn our coastlines are protected as well.”
Spiny Sand sea stars can be found along sandy bottoms from California’s San Pedro Bay to Ecuador. The pronounced blue spots at the end of each arm are eyespots. Every species of sea stars have eyespots on at the tip of each arm which allows them to perceive light and dark.
The “Stars of Sea” exhibition provides Aquarium visitors with a rare opportunity to have a glimpse of a variety of these sea creatures that have been found along our coastlines and in our oceans for over 450 million years. But, just as importantly, the exhibition provides insights into the important role sea stars play and the importance of making certain they do not disappear from our marine environment.
The Crown-of-thorns sea star is found in the Indo-Pacific region along the coral reefs. They can grow to almost 18 inches in diameter and have up to 21 arms. With an appetite for coral and few predators, Crown-of-thorns sea stars are destroying coral reef habitats.
The Aquarium of the Pacific is located at 100 Aquarium Way in Long Beach. It is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., daily. Reservations are required on weekends and holidays.
Steve Tabor
This South Bay native’s photographic journey began after receiving his first 35 mm film camera upon earning his Bachelor of Arts degree. As a classroom teacher he used photography to share the world and his experiences with his students. Steve began his photography career photographing coastal landscapes and marine life. His experiences have led him to include portraits and group photography, special event photography as well as live performance and athletics in his portfolio. As a contributor and photojournalist, he has published stories about the people, places and events in and around the Palos Verdes Peninsula and beyond.
Interested in seeing more of Steve’s work, visit website at: www.stevetaborimages.com