Shooting for the Stars:
Sunflower Star Laboratory’s community-based approach to Pycnopodia conservation and kelp forest recovery

Guest Presenter:
Ashley Kidd
Conservation Program Lead & Co-founder
Sunflower Star Laboratory

In this presentation Ashley explores the ecological importance of the critically endangered sunflower sea star, the impacts of Sea Star Wasting Syndrome on its rapid decline, and the ongoing recovery and restoration efforts of this keystone predator in California. Attendees will learn how divers, aquariums, researchers, and communities along the coast are working alongside Sunflower Star Laboratory at present and into the future.

Ashley Kidd worked for 12 years as a public aquarium professional, where her passion in aquaculture - supporting sustainable exhibits and conservation initiatives began - notably with SECORE coral conservation & the White Abalone Recovery Project. She holds an MS in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences from the University of Florida, researching sunflower sea stars & their restoration. She is fortunate to continue this work at SSL, contributing to the Pycnopodia Recovery Working Group, the Association of Zoo & Aquarium Sunflower Sea Star program and the Pacific Coast Ocean Recovery initiative; coordinating public aquarium, non profit and academic partners in sea star conservation aquaculture and field restoration.

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