With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
What We Know About The Odd Blue Creatures Washing Ashore On SoCal Beaches
Thousands of velella velella have washed up on SoCal beaches, all thanks to the historic winter storms earlier this year.
(
Mickilu/Getty Images
/
iStockphoto
)
Thousands of velella velella — strange, blue jellyfish-like creatures — have been seen up and down Southern California's shores this weekend.
Why that's unusual
These small creatures usually live in the open ocean about 100 miles offshore. However, brisk winds from the onslaught of recent storms have swept them onto Zuma Beach down through Manhattan Beach, into Huntington Beach and beyond. The storms have also caused larger algae blooms — which the creatures feed on — causing an uptick in their population.
Another possible reason for their mass stranding could be climate change. Research from the University of Washington found that there have been higher strandings reported as the Earth gets warmer.
Sponsored message
About these creatures
David Ginsburg, a professor of environmental studies at USC, explains that they are also known as "By-The-Wind Sailors," a nickname given to them due to their movement being at the mercy of the wind.
-
For the last decade, the cougar called Griffith Park home and lived a remarkably adventurous life. -
We can’t think of many places you could see wild bears, parrots, mountain lions, whales and buffalo (yup!) all in the same day, but this is Southern California — and you totally could. -
Bulldozers carved up the side of the 101 Freeway as part of a major step in the construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing in Agoura Hills.
“Well, they are small jellyfish that essentially have a little flap of tissue that allows them to sort of act as a sail and they can blow across the water,” says Ginsburg. “And sometimes people think that they look a little bit like a Portuguese Man O' War, which is a type of jellyfish that could give you a pretty nasty sting. But these, these are not actually.”
They aren't dangerous
So while they might look intimidating, they are relatively harmless. They can sting, but aren't poisonous. Ginsburg says they have a sort of plasticky feel to them, a bit like acetate.
Sponsored message
“This is an animal that was living in the pelagic ocean that's been blown in. And it's, you know, really kind of one of the few opportunities a lot of people would ever get a chance to see this kind of animal. So I think that’s pretty neat," he said.
What's next
The velella velella will remain on local shores until eventually (sadly) drying up underneath the sun. Another flash mob of the blue blobs could happen again, but another exceptional wind event and algae bloom must coincide.
Learn more
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
