Join Heal the Bay for a virtual behind-the-scenes look at our urgent work to save the critically endangered sunflower sea star, why the future of California’s kelp forests depends on it, and how you can help.
In the early 2010’s, a sea star wasting event decimated local populations and left the California sunflower sea star virtually extinct. This year, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums SAFE Program, Heal the Bay, and Santa Monica City College are working to turn the tide.
Be part of a rare and time-sensitive moment: our April 2026 attempt to spawn one of the only reproductive female sunflower sea stars in California. A successful spawning could allow us to raise her offspring and, with state approval, one day reintroduce juvenile sea stars into local waters to help restore balance to our coastal ecosystems.
Join Heal the Bay expert aquarists for a virtual conversation about:
-The science behind aquaculture and species recovery through the SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) program
-Why sunflower sea stars are a keystone species—and what happens when they disappear
-What we’re learning in real time from this spawning effort, including new footage and insights from our partners
-How this work connects directly to the health of Southern California’s kelp forests and how YOU can help
You’ll also meet “Chicken Fingers,” the sunflower sea star at the center of this critical effort — and one of the last reproductive females from Southern California waters.
Healthy coastlines don’t happen by accident. They take care, science, and a community of people willing to show up.
You don’t need to be a scientist to be part of the solution—just a place to start.
