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In recent years, starfish outbreaks occurred frequently in northern China, causing serious economic losses to marine aquaculture. The most common outbreak starfish species are Asterias amurensis and Asterina pectini- fera. We systematically reviewed the related studies by introducing the biological characteristics, current outbreaking status, and main impact of A. amurensis and A. pectinifera, and by discussing the causes, formation process, and migration pattern of starfish outbreaks in northern China. The early life history stage drives starfish outbreak. The increases of larval survival rate is the key leading to population outbreak. Population connectivity is the vital clue to reveal the source and dispersal of starfish populations. On this basis, we proposed several scientific and technical issues that should be addressed urgently, including the determination of the outbreak threshold, the trace- ability of starfish population, and the methods of monitoring, early warning and control. It would provide insight into the research on the mechanism of starfish outbreaks and the theoretical support for formulating prevention and treatment strategies for starfish outbreaks in northern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]