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Last Updated: Tuesday, 12 December 2006, 11:13 GMT
Jellyfish invasion hits shoreline
By-the-wind sailor jellyfish, photo by Steve Trewhella (published on the MarLIN Web site)
The jellyfish are more commonly found in Californian waters
Hordes of transparent, blue-fringed jellyfish commonly found in warmer seas, have washed up in Blackpool.

Thousands of dead 'by-the-wind-sailors' (Velella velella) have been found beached along the resort's coastline.

Experts from Blackpool's Sea Life Centre say they are often found in waters off California but strong winds have pushed them off course.

The marine animals are harmless but people should avoid picking them up.

'Quite unusual'

According to the Marine Life Information Network (MarLIN) there have been a number of sightings of the creatures - which measure up to 10cm (4in) - in recent months.

MarLIN Information research officer Charlotte Marshall said: "Over the past few months we have had sightings - mostly strandings - of Velella velella.

"We've had reports from Sussex right up to the Isle of Skye including Dorset, Devon, Cornwall, South Wales, North Wales, North West England and a couple of others in Scotland.

"To have records right along the coast like this including Sussex is quite unusual."

The organisation runs an on-line recording scheme where visitors can list their own sightings of marine life.


SEE ALSO
Jelly creatures go further north
28 Nov 06 |  North West Wales
Balloon ban call to save turtles
23 Oct 06 |  Lancashire
Rare jellyfish found on dog walk
15 Sep 06 |  Leicestershire
Jellyfish spark beaches alert
23 Aug 06 |  Northern Ireland

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