In a rare sight at a beach in the state of Oregon, United States, thousands of sea cucumbers were washed ashore recently, scattered along a 2-mile stretch of beach. The unusual scene amazed onlookers and experts alike, with many noting that it had been a long time since they had seen such a sight.
On Tuesday, October 21st, due to the combined effects of strong waves and low tide, thousands of sea cucumbers were washed up onto the seashore of the coastal town of Seaside in Oregon. The entire beach was covered with these semi-transparent, pink gelatinous creatures. Seaside is located about 80 miles (129 kilometers) northwest of Portland, Oregon.
The Seaside Aquarium stated in a release that these jelly-like creatures are commonly known as “Skin Breathing Sea Cucumbers,” which typically live in sand layers near the low tide line or in deeper waters, but were now piled up on Seaside’s over 2-mile (3.2 kilometers) long beach.
Public records indicate that these sea cucumbers are formally known as Leptosynapta clarki, and are primarily found along the coastal areas from northern California to the Gulf of Alaska.
Tiffany Boothe, Assistant Manager of the aquarium, mentioned that the sea cucumbers nearly covered the tide line, with a body length of about 1.3 centimeters, and can grow up to 15 centimeters in length.
It is understood that this phenomenon typically occurs when tides and wave conditions coincide, meaning it only happens a few times a year or even once every few years. Sometimes, a few sea cucumbers may sporadically wash ashore, but the quantity seen this time is unprecedented in Boothe’s experience over the past few years.
Boothe pointed out that the sea cucumbers washed onto the shore are unable to return to their natural habitat and will ultimately dry up and die. However, their bodies will provide nutrients for sand fleas, beach fleas, and other invertebrates living near the tide line. The remaining sea cucumber remnants may quickly dry up and blend into the sand layer.
The aquarium reminds that these sea cucumbers pose no danger to humans, but pet owners are advised to prevent pets from mistakenly consuming them to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort.
Boothe speculated that by Wednesday (22nd) or Thursday (23rd), the remains of these sea cucumbers on the beach will have disappeared without a trace.