The Brief Sunflower sea stars have declined by about 94% in Washington after a devastating wasting disease nearly wiped out the species. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is leading a rare effort to breed the endangered sea stars in hopes of restoring wild populations. Sunflower sea stars known for their dozens of arms and surprising speed can move about 40 inches per minute. But while common five-armed sea stars can still be found around Commencement Bay, Murray said sunflower sea stars have experienced a dramatic decline. The disappearance of sunflower sea stars has also reshaped the underwater ecosystem.