Recent reports have highlighted an unusual occurrence along the Bay Area beaches, including Ocean Beach and Mustang Island, where thousands of 'flying spaghetti monster' sea creatures and 'by-the-wind sailors' (Velella velellas) have washed ashore. These creatures, which share similarities with true jellyfish, including the ability to sting with their tentacles, have prompted warnings from experts to admire them from a distance to avoid harm. The Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies noted this phenomenon specifically on Mustang Island over the past week. Despite their jellyfish-like appearance, these creatures are not actually jellyfish, a fact emphasized by local news outlets and researchers.
Thousands of small sea creatures are invading Bay Area beaches. Here's what to do if you come across them. https://t.co/MrQCGkyWQP https://t.co/MrQCGkyWQP
By-the-wind sailors, Latin name Velella velellas, spotted out on Monterey Bay but thousands of these are blowing onto Bay Area beaches now. They're related to jellies but actually jellies. https://t.co/xmfzc7B1Ye
These are called by-the-wind sailors, and they aren't actually jellyfish—but they are at Ocean Beach! https://t.co/vWHCsitWcy
According to the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, the flying spaghetti monster has washed ashore on Mustang Island in the past week. https://t.co/2Z2TCghQPo
'Flying spaghetti monster' sea creature washing up on beaches should be avoided, experts warn https://t.co/PhAXoyeHsr
Watch out for these sea creatures... they pack a STING! 😨 https://t.co/d3j7h027LP
Ocean Beach’s blue visitors are back! 🪼Here's where they come from—and why they're not actually jellyfish. https://t.co/iCeVeHIdmh
Spaghetti Monsters share similarities with true jellyfish, and have tentacles that can sting. 😨 That's why if you see one, it's best to admire it from a distance. https://t.co/e0L7TX1NHZ