1 week Ago By Juliette Kessler
Thousands of blue and purple sea critters known as Velella velellas – or "By-the-Wind Sailors" – have been turning Ventura County beaches into a colorful display, dotting the shorelines with their distinctive jellyfish-like appearance. NBC Los Angeles reports that these creatures, while related to jellyfish, sea anemones, and corals, boast a unique, oval shape with a triangular "sail" that captures the wind, propelling them in the ocean.Channel Islands Harbor recently shared that strong winds and storms are responsible for pushing these animals, whose navigation is solely dependent on the direction the wind takes them, towards the coast and onto beaches such as Kiddie, Silver Strand, and Hollywood.
CBS News Los Angeles echoes these facts, noting that the "sails" of the Velella can cause them to travel at an angle to the direction of the wind, unlike many jellyfish species, which simply drift with ocean currents.While the sight of these beached seafarers is certainly remarkable and has been occurring annually, experts warn beachgoers against handling them. According to FOX LA, despite the fact that their stinging cells are typically not dangerous to humans, they can cause slight irritation, particularly if a person touches their face or eyes after coming into contact with a Velella.
The phenomenon is not just a visual curiosity but offers a glimpse into environmental patterns. KTLA included insights from environmental scientist and professor at CSU Channel Islands Sean Anderson, emphasizing that the arrival of these creatures often aligns with seasonal shifts and can vary greatly year to year. Additionally, while these events are natural, Josh Wagner from the Aquarium of the Pacific suggests that climate change might be influencing the magnitude of these wash-ups, having a feast on the increasing bacteria in the water, and the Velella then find themselves stranded after.
.
