Purple beer launched to save sea stars

A purple beer brewed to help raise awareness of Sea Star Wasting Syndrome, which is wiping out star fish along the US Pacific coast, has been launched by Rogue Ales & Spirits.

Launched in partnership with  The Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans (PISCO) and Oregon State University, Wasted Sea Star is a pale ale with a light reddish-purple hue – similar to sea stars – achieved through the used of purple corn nectar.

Sea Star Wasting Syndrome is a pandemic that is killing millions of sea stars along the Pacific Coast and across the United States and is the largest marine animal disease event in recorded history, affecting sea stars in both coastal habitats and aquariums alike.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Wasted Sea Star will go towards fundings research on the syndrome by PISCO.

“We are extremely excited about this new partnership with Rogue to raise awareness about the importance of sea stars to healthy ocean ecosystems. Rogue’s new beer also recognizes the efforts of investigators across the country who are collaborating to understand this disease and its impacts,” said Bruce Menge, lead PISCO-OSU investigator.

PISCO is a long-term monitoring and research program, led by investigators at four Universities along the US West Coast: OSU, UC Santa Cruz, Stanford University, and UC Santa Barbara.