PORT ANGELES — Hundreds of jellyfish on the shores of the inner harbor of Ediz Hook took many wildlife officials by surprise Monday.
The mostly clear and saucerlike jellyfish rested on the rocky shores after a high tide washed the swarming marine life ashore.
The creatures, identified as moon jellyfish, were most likely brought ashore on the inside of the Hook by abnormal currents and a high tide, said Alan Rammer, state Department of Fish and Wildlife marine conservation and education program specialist.
“I am not sure why they are off-track, congregated and washed up on the beach for sure,” Rammer said.
“Moon jellyfish do swarm during their spawning season and can be transferred by currents.”
The Ediz Hook beach was apparently the only place along the Strait of Juan de Fuca where the phenomenon occurred.
The rest of this story appears in today’s Peninsula Daily News Clallam County edition. Click on “Subscribe” to get the PDN delivered to your home or office.