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 2000’s, a Sea Star Wasting Syndrome (linked to warming ocean temperatures) decimated several species, leaving 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. Join the webinar to learn how.

April 21st, 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.

Register for the Webinar

Meet the Sunflower Sea Star

The sunflower sea star is a fast-moving, many-armed keystone predator, growing up to 3 feet wide, and using thousands of tube feet to hunt sea urchins, helping protect and sustain vital kelp forest ecosystems.

Meet the Scientists

Dive into a discussion with Laura Rink, Associate Director of Operations at Heal the Bay Aquarium, and Jen Burney, Aquarist at Santa Monica City College, for a knowledge drop on why sunflower sea stars matter, how aquaculture is supporting their recovery, and what it takes to rebuild a thriving ecosystem.

Can Aquculture Work to Save A Species?

In 2026, Heal the Bay Aquarium is supporting a critical effort to restore the endangered sunflower sea star, a keystone species essential to the survival of Southern California’s kelp forest ecosystems. As part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) Program, our team is working at the forefront of species recovery.

Don’t miss the moment. Just start where you are.