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How to Save Starfish on the Beach

In an old fable, a woman realizes that it is better to save one out of many starfish than to save none at all. If you see starfish (or "sea star") washed up on the beach, act as this woman and save as many as you can. Starfish can only breathe oxygen from water, so they will suffocate if they wash too far out. Start by saving those farthest from the water as long as they are still alive. Most starfish use their "legs" to move, so the closer ones may be able to get back into the water themselves.

Things You'll Need

Sand shovel
Bucket
Stick (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Nudge the starfish gently with your finger or a stick. If it moves, it can be saved.
- 2
  Fill a bucket halfway with water from the ocean. Choose a shovel that has scoop larger than the starfish. Position the sand shovel adjacent to the starfish and scoop up the starfish.
- 3
  Place the starfish into the bucket gently. Pick up other starfish in the immediate area by using the same technique.
- 4
  Walk about 3 feet into the water and release the starfish from your bucket. They will settle to the ocean floor and be less likely to wash up again.

Animals & Science