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Thousands of jellyfish wash up on Costa Blanca beaches
The harmless sea creatures created striking scenes along Vega Baja beaches this weekend
Last Friday, April 4, thousands of small blue marine organisms washed up along the beaches of the Vega Baja area on the southern Costa Blanca, prompting a flurry of photos and curiosity on social media. Despite their jellyfish-like appearance, these creatures are not true jellyfish but 'Velella velella', commonly known as By-the-Wind Sailors or 'veleros' in Spanish.
Recognisable by their vibrant blue colouring and small, sail-like structure, these hydrozoans float freely on the surface of the ocean and travel in large groups. Strong winds and coastal currents over recent days have driven them ashore, creating a striking – if unexpected – sight for beachgoers in Torrevieja and the surrounding coastal areas.
Although their presence may alarm some, Velella velella are completely harmless to humans and do not sting. Their arrival on the beaches is a natural phenomenon, quite common in spring, and often occurs in large numbers when weather conditions push them inland.
These recent beachings have been reported not only along the Costa Blanca but also in the Balearic Islands, the Region of Murcia, Catalonia and other parts of the Valencian Community. According to the local group Crónicas Naturales de Torrevieja, the creatures are a seasonal occurrence and are typically preyed upon by sea turtles, sunfish and manta rays.
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