The once vast kelp forests of the US Pacific Coast have been decimated by the collapse of a keystone species--the sunflower sea star. Sea star wasting disease, attributable to warming ocean temperatures, has caused mass mortality. Without predation by sea stars, sea urchin populations have exploded. Various kelp species, especially young stalks, are the primary food of sea urchins. Kelp forests provide immense habitat for innumerable species and sequester more carbon than terrestrial forests. Stoneware. High-Fired. 23" tall by 10" widest diameter. 2023.