The Scripps Institution of Oceanography reported the discovery of a 9 to 10-foot-long oarfish in Encinitas, marking the second sighting in California this year.
Historically viewed as omens of natural disasters, oarfish are rarely seen; 20 have washed up in California since 1901, indicating unusual environmental changes.
Research suggests increasing ocean conditions and patterns like El Niño and La Niña may explain the rise in oarfish sightings, though the exact causes remain elusive.
The recent oarfish washed up in Encinitas is part of research into broader ecological effects, with scientists examining its genome to better understand these mysterious creatures.
Collection
[
|
...
]