Shorelines
Our diverse work on beaches of Vashon-Maury are helping highlight the islands’ natural shorelines as a regionally important ecological resource. Island beaches form half the shoreline existing in King County, and host major forage fish spawning locations. Salmon born as far away as the Stillaguamish River have been documented feeding along our shores. All three eco-types of ocra can be seen from island shorelines.
Sea Stars
Sea stars an are keystone species in intertidal zone. During our first island BioBlitz survey in 2012, we recorded 17 species of sea stars. In 2013, a wasting disease attacked sea star communities along the entire West Coast, wiping out nearly the entire population. Now, most observations include only two to four species.
Vashon Nature Center monitors island beaches with the help of high school biology students from our Scientists in Schools program and volunteer community scientists.
Researchers and land-use managers around the world can access and use our data through the Multi-Agency Rocky Intertidal Network (MARINe).
Publications and Press
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Decline in Sea Star Population Numbers since 2013
Related Projects
