The Derwent River sea star was only ever observed in five locations near the Tasman Bridge in Hobart. In 1969, the only collected and preserved specimen was collected near the Powder Jetty. Nothing is known about the behaviors, life cycle, or extinction causes of this unique seastar. In fact, it was thought to be a specimen of the invasive Newland seastar or a sea star that had hybridized with a local species. Since there was only one preserved specimen, it was deemed too valuable to dissect. In 2018, the University of Melbourne did multiple scans of the specimen and created a 3-dimensional image using multiple layers of x-rays. After studying the 3-D image, scientists were able to conclude the Derwent River seastar was in fact a unique, although now extinct species. Its decline and extinction is still a mystery. Since it appeared to have such a limited range, it is thought that localized pollution and sediment increase might have led to its extinction. It has also been proposed that increased competition of invasive species including other starfish might have led to its decline. It may still exist in some isolated, unchecked area, but it most likely went extinct soon after its discovery in 1969. Although Jurassic Park is fiction, scientists are working on several de-extinction projects. In fact, in 2003 scientists did bring back the extinct Pyrenean ibex, a type of wild goat, for 7 minutes before it died, showing de-extinction is possible. The Derwent River seastar might be a candidate for de-extinction. Scientists would potentially use DNA from the one and only specimen known that was collected in 1969. Australia has done many things to protect its native wildlife on land and in the sea. The Conservation Advice for the Derwent River Seastar recommended that Australia should “Undertake survey work in suitable habitat and potential habitat to locate any additional populations, Manage any changes to hydrology that may result in increased run-off, sedimentation or pollution, develop and implement a management plan for the control of New Zealand Seastar (Patiriella regularis) and the Northern Pacific Seastar (Asterias amurensis) in the local region, control and monitor ballast water, and raise awareness of the Derwent River seastar within the local community.” If the Derwent River seastar was returned to the Derwent River in Hobart, would they be able to survive?