The blood runs deep: spatial and temporal distribution, size, and abundance of the blood star (Henricia spp.) in the San Juan Channel, Washington, USA

Abstract

The San Juan Channel, Washington is home to a diverse seastar community, which includes the blood star (Henricia spp.). Few studies have examined the characteristics of the blood star and those have sought to identify morphological difference among species. In this study we examined the spatial and temporal distribution, size, and abundance of the blood star within the San Juan Channel in the San Juan Archipelago. Six locations and 95 transects were established at different depths and using SCUBA, blood stars were photographed and measured. Analysis demonstrated that there was a significant difference in spatial and temporal distributions. Understanding these distributions and investigating the potential factors for the differences is the next step in determining if the causes are natural or anthropogenic.