What is the ecological importance of a starfish?
At first glance, starfish seem like a total menace to humans and mollusk. They are viewed by many commercial fishers as pests; the predacious nature of the sunflower star often results in fouled long-line gear as well as crab pots. Starfish are viewed as direct competitors with both subsistence and sport clam diggers. Many consider the starfish’s only value as garden fertilizer. The ecological relationships of the ocean are complex. Like many predators, starfish are thought to have little value to man except as curiosities or competitors. While this view is held by many, feeding studies have shown that some species of starfish are, in fact, prey for Alaska king crab! In reality, starfish are important in maintaining the balance of nature by thinning out biological excess, consuming carrion, and directly and indirectly creating a diversity of species which provides man a varied menu of seafood. Hope it helps you!
