Found thousands of these translucent blue, plastic-looking ovals washed up on the beach today. They have a stiff fin on top and blue jelly underneath. Are they dangerous?

Mass strandings of Velella velella are not uncommon and are usually the result of wind and ocean currents. These organisms drift on the ocean’s surface, using their sails to catch the wind. When strong onshore winds occur, they can be blown onto beaches in large numbers.

This phenomenon is more common in spring and summer months when weather conditions favor such strandings. While it may seem alarming to see thousands washed up at once, it is a natural event that has been occurring for centuries.

If you encounter Velella velella on the beach, it’s best to observe them from a distance. While they are not dangerous, handling them is unnecessary and might disturb local wildlife that feeds on them.

Avoid attempting to return them to the ocean, as they are likely already dead, and this could disrupt the