Slimy Mess at the Beach

A near perfect beach day set in across New England today. Unfortunately it was just after Salps had also set in on New England Beaches. From New Hampshire to Massachusetts the coast line was littered with slimy little Salps. They look a lot like the jellyfish that often wind up on the beaches – but are more biologically kin to vertebrate animals. They don't sting, the only real danger is shrill cries of "Ewww – Gross!" disturbing a visit to the beach.

Last year the outbreak of Red Tide actually had some harsh consequences for beach goers and especially fishermen who rely on the sea for their income. The threat of another Red Tide epidemic came and went earlier this summer – but the warm eddies have brought the Salp in what could be record numbers. The October surprise may be the Salp, the scientific name for the type washing up on Massachusetts shores is Thalia Democratica. Only a month away from the November gubernatorial election it remains to be seen how this might be pinned on some unsuspecting candidate.