"Velella velella often appear in spring or early summer in Northern California, when upwelling and winds align to help them proliferate and be pushed ashore. The good news, though: Sightings tend to last days to weeks."
"This year, they could persist longer. Velella numbers are linked to warm water, and the Pacific Ocean is experiencing a marine heatwave, with the possibility of a strong El Niño system developing."
"Handling Velella velella doesn't pose much risk, especially if they're dead and dried out. Be warned, though: Living Velella do have stinging tentacles, like their Portuguese man o' war cousins."
Velella velella, known as by-the-wind sailors, reproduce by budding off jellyfish-like offspring and have a sail to catch the wind. They are commonly found along the Bay Area coast, including San Francisco and Santa Cruz. Their presence is linked to spring upwelling, which brings nutrients that support their population. Sightings can last from days to weeks, especially during favorable ocean conditions. While handling them is generally safe, caution is advised due to their stinging tentacles. Their appearance may be influenced by climate change, but it is not solely dependent on it.
Read at Kqed
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