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?

on plankton, and in turn, are consumed by various marine species, including fish and seabirds.
Their strandings, while extensive, do not negatively impact the environment. In fact, they provide a temporary food source for scavengers on the beach. It’s a cycle that contributes to the biodiversity and health of marine ecosystems.
9. The Strange Life Cycle Of These Drifting Colonies
Velella velella have a unique lifecycle that involves both asexual and sexual reproduction. The colonies we see on the ocean surface are the result of asexual budding from a single