Squid Washing Up On La Jolla Beaches
El Niño May Be To Blame
POSTED: 12:21 pm PDT July 25, 2002
UPDATED: 9:51 am PDT July 26, 2002
SAN DIEGO -- Hundreds of squid are washing up on La Jolla Coves beaches as a result of warm El Nino weather patterns, 10News reported.
City crews arrived at the Children's Pool at 7 a.m. Friday to remove the carcasses. They are expected to be there through the day or until all the dead squid have been removed.The squid may be getting stuck in a warm water current and pushed into San Diego waters 10News reported. The beachings are creating a big problem for swimmers and a big stink for residents.The area is popular with divers and snorkelers, but officials are concerned that the squids' ink may be unhealthy.
The jumbo flying squid, known by their scientific name Dosidicus gigas, normally nestle in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Their natural habitat ranges from Oregon to Peru.The beach strandings puzzle Annette Henry, a state marine biologist."I don't know why they are dying," she said. "They seem to be perfectly healthy squid."Scientists noticed another strange stranding in May when tiny red crabs that looked like miniature lobsters covered the Ocean Beach area.
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The jumbo flying squid, known by their scientific name Dosidicus gigas, normally nestle in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Their natural habitat ranges from Oregon to Peru.The beach strandings puzzle Annette Henry, a state marine biologist."I don't know why they are dying," she said. "They seem to be perfectly healthy squid."Scientists noticed another strange stranding in May when tiny red crabs that looked like miniature lobsters covered the Ocean Beach area.Copyright 2007 by 10News.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
