Thousands of sea cucumbers have washed ashore in the Oregon coastal town of Seaside, baffling local scientists. The phenomenon occurred due to a combination of heavy surf and low tide, leaving the partially translucent gelatinous creatures scattered across more than 2 miles of Seaside Beach.
Tiffany Boothe, assistant manager of the Seaside Aquarium, described the scene as the sea cucumbers 'littering the tideline'. The creatures, known scientifically as Leptosynapta clarki, are typically found burrowed in the sand along the low tideline and farther out. They measure about half an inch long but can grow up to 6 inches.
Boothe explained that such events can occur whenever surf and tide conditions align, which may happen a few times a year or once every several years. While occasional strandings are common, the large groupings seen this week are unusual. The sea cucumbers are unable to return to their natural habitat on their own and will eventually dry up and die.
Once dead, the sea cucumbers will provide nutrients for beach hoppers, beach fleas, and other invertebrates along the tideline, though birds do not eat them. Boothe expects the remains to dry up quickly and blend into the sand, likely disappearing by Wednesday or Thursday. The species ranges from northern California to the Gulf of Alaska.
