In April, a mysterious invasion of thousands of jellyfish relatives, scientifically known as Velella velella, washed ashore on the beaches of Oregon. Now, a similar event has occurred in New Zealand, with Fitzroy Beach in New Plymouth covered in these peculiar marine organisms. These translucent blue, gelatinous creatures, often referred to as “by-the-wind sailors,” float effortlessly across the ocean’s surface, feeding on plankton while being propelled solely by the force of the wind. Kelly Sutherland, an assistant professor of biology in the Clark Honors College at the University of Oregon, has been shedding light on the science behind this intriguing phenomenon.
Velella velella are at the mercy of the wind due to their unique mode of transportation. Lacking any form of self-propulsion, they rely entirely on the prevailing winds to dictate their course. Kelly Sutherland explains that when wind patterns change, these creatures are pushed towards the shoreline due to the sails on their backs. As a result, they end up stranded on beaches, creating captivating yet somewhat puzzling displays for beachgoers.
Despite their striking appearance, Velella velella are harmless to humans. These creatures are a common sight in the Pacific Ocean, where they play their role in the marine ecosystem by feeding on plankton. However, when strong winds force them onto the shorelines, they can become a nuisance. Their presence en masse can lead to an unpleasant odor, potentially impacting the beach experience for visitors.
Kelly Sutherland’s work lies at the intersection of marine biology and physics. Her research seeks to unravel the intricate ways in which organisms interact within their fluid environments. She brings a wealth of expertise to her role, having earned her doctorate in biological oceanography from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in 2010. Before joining the faculty at the University of Oregon, Sutherland served as a postdoctoral scholar in bioengineering at the California Institute of Technology.
In summary, the recent occurrences of Velella velella washing ashore in Oregon and New Zealand have intrigued both scientists and beach enthusiasts alike. Kelly Sutherland’s research helps us better understand the curious behaviors of these by-the-wind sailors and how they navigate their oceanic world, offering valuable insights into the complex relationship between marine biology and physics.
