Across the beaches of Southern California, excitement and curiosity abound as two rare oarfish have washed ashore this year, prompting scientists and ocean enthusiasts alike to ponder the mysteries of these tremendous deep-sea creatures. Known as one of the ocean's most elusive fish, the oarfish has captured imaginations and concern, especially with its mythical reputation as a harbinger of doom.
The latest discovery occurred on November 6th, when Alison Laferriere, a doctoral candidate at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, stumbled upon the 9.5-foot-long specimen at Grandview Beach in Encinitas. This sighting marked the second oarfish washed up on the coasts of San Diego County within the same year; the first was spotted earlier, at La Jolla Cove, by kayakers and snorkelers who found it dead and adrift.
Describing her astonishment, Laferriere said, "I thought, 'Wow, this is amazing. I can't believe there's one right here.'" Her discovery was significant, considering only 20 oarfish have been documented on California beaches since 1901, making these sightings exceptionally rare, and each occasion offers scientists unparalleled opportunities for study.
Ben Frable, the manager of the Scripps Oceanography Marine Vertebrate Collection—the largest collection of deep-sea fish globally—was swift to respond. He coordinated the retrieval of the deceased fish and its transport to the Southwest Fisheries Science Center, where researchers are now poised to conduct detailed examinations. Frable remarked, "We took samples and froze the specimen awaiting farther study and final preservation within the Marine Vertebrate Collection."
The analysis of this specimen could yield valuable insights about the biology, anatomy, and life history of the oarfish. Understanding the reason for these strandings is also central to the investigation. Frable theorized, "It may have to do with changes in ocean conditions and increased numbers of oarfish off our coast. Many researchers have suggested this as to why deep-water fish strand on beaches. Sometimes, it may be tied to broader shifts like the El Niño and La Niña cycles. This wash-up coincided with recent red tide developments and Santa Ana winds, but various factors could be at play here."
Notably, the oarfish's peculiar appearance—long, slender, scale-less bodies adorned with dark spots and crowned with a vibrant dorsal fin—adds to its enigmatic nature. Described often as resembling prehistoric sea serpents, the oarfish has the potential to grow up to 36 feet, earning it the title of the world's longest bony fish.
Despite the thriller aspect surrounding oarfish, they aren’t inherently dangerous to humans, nor are they considered endangered. Rather, their appearances tend to spark wider conversations about ocean health and climate conditions. This caper isn't just about fish watching; it embodies broader questions about marine ecosystems and environmental changes.
Adding to their mystique, oarfish hold historical significance, particularly within Japanese folklore. They are often dubbed "doomsday fish" due to legends linking their appearances to impending earthquakes, following unfortunate occurrences when multiple oarfish washed ashore before the notable 2011 earthquake off Japan’s coast. This has led to modern speculation about their role as predictors of natural disasters, but experts like Michael Drexler from Ocean Conservancy remind us: "Researchers have looked, especially on the west coast, and haven’t found correlations between these strandings and earthquakes yet.”
Oarfish, fascinatingly adapted to the pressures of deep-sea living, typically inhabit depths exceeding 500 feet, where most human activities and technology cannot reach. Their elusive nature makes them difficult to study, often leading to gaps in knowledge about their behavior and biology. When rarities wash ashore, they provide scientists the much-needed opportunity to fill these gaps and conduct much-needed research.
The dead oarfish from La Jolla, for example, underwent autopsy procedures to study its organs and overall health, which paved the way for significant scientific advancements, including the creation of the first high-quality, chromosome-level genome of oarfish. Each specimen, then, bears not just rarity but immense potential for contributions to marine science.
The Scripps Institution encourages beachgoers who discover unusual aquatic creatures to report their findings. Anyone who spots something strange washed up on the sand can notify local lifeguards or reach out to Scripps directly via email or phone. Observations like these could provide pivotal information for researchers striving to understand marine biodiversity and health.
The oarfish saga, already notable for the two sightings, highlights the need for continuous observation of marine life, especially as climate changes alter oceanic environments. These adaptations and discoveries urge inquiry and education about the oceanic ecosystems and their inhabitants, inspiring future generations to engage thoughtfully with their environment.
Yet, such fabled fish only scratch the surface of ocean exploration and its relevance to our lives. Their story reignites interest not just for sightings for the sake of amazement but for what we learn from these significant marine events. The second oarfish sighting of the year is not merely about finding lost fish on beaches; it’s about unearthing the pressing narratives of our planet's fragile ecosystems. Continuing to monitor trends and phenomena like oarfish strandings could underline the multifaceted relationship we share with the ocean. The challenge for today remains: how do we balance our interactions with nature, holding respect for the wonders—and mysteries—it harbors?
