Ochre sea star (Pisaster ochraceus), near McInnes Island, BC

Piaster is a keystone species, and is considered an important indicator for the health of the intertidal zone. They feed on mussels and other sea shells. Keystone species play a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community, affecting many other organisms in an ecosystem and helping to determine the types and numbers of various other species in the community. If the sea star is removed from the ecosystem, the mussel population explodes uncontrollably, driving out most other species. Fortunately, we saw lots of these in the coastal water of Northern BC.

For other intertidal photos (leather star, dead man's fingers, rockweed, giant kelp with kelp crab, sea lettuce) see here: http://goo.gl/op4XM

Ochre sea star (Pisaster ochraceus), near McInnes Island, BC

Piaster is a keystone species, and is considered an important indicator for the health of the intertidal zone. They feed on mussels and other sea shells. Keystone species play a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community, affecting many other organisms in an ecosystem and helping to determine the types and numbers of various other species in the community. If the sea star is removed from the ecosystem, the mussel population explodes uncontrollably, driving out most other species. Fortunately, we saw lots of these in the coastal water of Northern BC.

For other intertidal photos (leather star, dead man's fingers, rockweed, giant kelp with kelp crab, sea lettuce) see here: http://goo.gl/op4XM