Observer: There were several individuals on the beach. Velella velella was also present very close to the island. The sightings were constant for three days.
Coastal ecology and conservation expert: The distribution of these animals is cosmopolitan; that is, they inhabit all tropical and temperate waters. In many areas it is common for there to be mass sightings in some beaches, for what I imagine it is not unusual for them to be found in these latitudes. I have seen many episodes of massive strandings with thousands of organisms in the southern and central beaches of California.
These animals are planktivores and can become very abundant, but the nematocysts they have are not very powerful and are not dangerous to humans, although they may cause skin irritation to some people.
Consultant:
Dr. Julio Lorda.
Facultad de Ciencias.
UABC.
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Observations From Members 