Now We Know What Killed 5 Billion Starfish - Videos from The Weather Channel

Now We Know What Killed 5 Billion Starfish

August 8, 2025

Scientists have finally solved the mystery behind the devastating starfish wasting disease that has killed over 5 billion starfish across the Pacific Ocean since 2013. The culprit behind this massive starfish die-off affecting more than 20 species from Mexico to Alaska has been identified as a deadly bacteria called Vibrio pentenicida, though the question “why now” remains.