What are those creatures on the beach?
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Salps sort of look like jellyfish—described by some as gooey, gelatinous and transparent. A few started washing ashore in late 2012, but more are appearing on Oregon’s beaches. Beach strollers have nothing to fear because they don’t sting or bite, but they can be a bit messy in a crab pot.
The Hatfield Marine Science Center says they are pelagic salps native to the Oregon Coast. Pelagic animals live in a zone of ocean water offshore and not on the bottom of the sea. Strong currents or west winds could be pushing the salps onto the beach.
Take a look at this news video by KGW Newschannel 8 (Portland) , which includes an interview with Seaside Aquarium staff.
Remember–Play it Safe on the Beach
Posted on February 21, 2013, in state parks and tagged salps. Bookmark the permalink. 2 Comments.
Good morning!
I saw a small number of these washed up on the beach while clam digging. I live in Long Beach Washington, and the location was just North of Beard’s Hollow Cove in Seaview. Wondered what they were…..thought jellyfish of some sort, kind of creepy looking! They didn’t appear to be alive………
thought you’d like to know.
Linda Forrester
Yes, I saw those last week on the beach at Winchester Bay. I even took a couple of photos because I wanted to know what they were. Now , problem solved. Thank you