EWC Environmental Series "Restoring Sunflower Sea Stars"

Photo Credit: Dennis Wise

The Edmonds Waterfront Center is honored to welcome Dr. Jason Hodin, Senior Research Scientist at the University of Washington’s Friday Harbor Laboratories, as the featured speaker in Annie Crawley’s Environmental Speaker Series. The event takes place Thursday, November 20, 2025, with doors opening at 6:00 PM and the presentation beginning at 6:30 PM.

Dr. Hodin is at the forefront of efforts to understand and restore the sunflower sea star (Pycnopodia helianthoides)—a massive, brightly colored echinoderm once abundant along the Pacific Coast, now listed as critically endangered after being devastated by sea star wasting disease. As an apex predator, sunflower stars keep purple urchin populations in check; without them, urchins overgraze kelp forests, unraveling entire coastal ecosystems.

Photo Credit: Dennis Wise

At Friday Harbor Labs, Dr. Hodin and his team are conducting pioneering research into the life history and disease ecology of sea stars. They recently helped identify Vibrio pectenicida as a likely causative agent of sea star wasting and are rearing sunflower sea stars in captivity—from larvae through juveniles—to document life stages never before closely studied. These efforts not only advance science but also form the foundation for restoration programs, where captive-bred stars may one day be reintroduced to struggling kelp forest ecosystems.

Dr. Hodin’s presentation will highlight the scientific detective work behind solving the mystery of sea star wasting, showcase the delicate process of raising stars in the lab, and explore the ecological ripple effects of losing—and potentially restoring—this keystone species. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how the health of kelp forests, salmon, sea otters, and countless other species are connected to the fate of sunflower stars.

Prior to the presentation at 6:30, please join us as we honor local students with the President’s Environmental Youth Award (PEYA). The PEYA recognizes outstanding K–12 environmental stewardship across our nation, and this year we’re proud to celebrate students from our own community.

Their award-winning project centers on our underwater backyard — the Edmonds Underwater Park. Guided by Barbara Bromley, a dedicated 4th–5th grade teacher, and host Annie Crawley, who supported the class through a yearlong environmental program, the students—Kaleb Wolde, Malia Nymeyer, Takumi Tanimura, and Avery Poisal—created a documentary film and collabo- rative artwork celebrating the park’s biodiversity and conservation community.

Blending science, art, and advocacy, their project was shared with state leaders and has already inspired broader marine protection. Bruce Higgins, Klem Daniels, local artist Mona Fairbanks, and the Cascadia Art Museum all played vital roles in supporting the students’ mission and vision.

Come early to the event to celebrate these young environmental leaders and their incredible contribution to protecting our Salish Sea.

6:00 PM - Doors open

6:15 PM - Special Presidential Environmental Youth Award to Hazelwood Elementary Students

6:30 PM - Environmental Series Presentation

Photo Credit: Dennis Wise

About Dr. Jason Hodin

Dr. Jason Hodin is a senior research scientist specializing in developmental biology and marine invertebrates at the University of Washington’s Friday Harbor Laboratories. His research explores metamorphosis, larval settlement ecology, and conservation biology of echinoderms. Since 2019, he has led a groundbreaking program rearing sunflower sea stars in captivity, working with collaborators across the West Coast to identify the causes of sea star wasting disease and develop restoration strategies. His work bridges basic biology and applied conservation, seeking to bring sunflower sea stars back to Pacific waters and restore balance to kelp forest ecosystems.

About Annie Crawley

Award-winning filmmaker, underwater photographer, author, and speaker, Annie Crawley—known as Ocean Annie—connects people to nature through visual storytelling, education, and ocean advocacy. A member of the Women Divers Hall of Fame and columnist for Scuba Diving Magazine, she leads the Our Ocean and You campaign, inspiring communities to take action for sustainability, ocean health, and environmental stewardship. Learn more at www.AnnieCrawley.com.

Subtitles and Closed Captioning will be provided for our guests who are deaf and hard of hearing. The EWC also offers Assistive Listening devices available to check out or connect with your smart phone.

Reserve your seat online ~ walk-ins are welcome the night of the event based on available seating.

ONLINE TICKET SALES END AT 4pm ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20

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