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Heatwave Brings Electric Blue Sea Creatures Ashore
2 Aug
Summary
- Hundreds of electric blue Velella Velella, or by-the-wind sailors, washed ashore.
- Marine experts warn not to touch the creatures despite mild stings.
- Climate change is cited as a reason for their increased presence and earlier arrival.
Hundreds of striking electric blue creatures, known as by-the-wind sailors (Velella Velella), have recently washed ashore on UK beaches, notably in Cumbria. These marine organisms, often mistaken for jellyfish, are appearing in larger numbers due to the ongoing summer heatwaves attracting people to the coast.
Marine biologists emphasize that while these creatures are not true jellyfish and have only a mild sting, beachgoers should refrain from touching them. Experts suggest that their increased and earlier-than-usual appearance, alongside the more frequent arrival of Portuguese Man o' War, indicates the impact of climate change on ocean currents.
These colonial hydroids, composed of many specialized animals working together, are typically found in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans. Their presence on UK shores is unusual, prompting warnings for the public to be aware and cautious, especially as other marine life, like weever fish, also become more prevalent during warmer periods.
