Velella velella wash ashore in large numbers on Northern California beaches

10 articles · Updated · SFist · Apr 28

Thousands of the blue hydrozoans appeared on Baker Beach, Crissy Field, and Ocean Beach on Monday, driven by onshore winds after recent storms.
These mass strandings are a natural spring phenomenon, with the creatures' stinging tentacles posing little risk to humans, according to the National Park Service.
Velella velella beachings have occurred regularly in recent years, with remains quickly drying and blowing away, and social media interest growing since 2014.

Are warmer oceans pushing these mysterious blue creatures onto our shores more frequently?

This blue tide is beautiful, but could it pose a hidden danger to curious pets and toddlers?

Experts warn to leave beached Velella alone. What is the surprising reason for this advice?

What happens to the ocean's food web when millions of these 'sailors' are lost at sea?

What is the strange reason why all Northern California's 'by-the-wind sailors' lean to the left?