Scientists are trying to determine what caused millions of shrimp-like critters known as krill to die and wash ashore along 250 miles of coast from northern California to southern Oregon last month. Scientists say the strandings were reported from Newport, Ore. to McKinleyville in northern Humboldt County in mid-June, making it the geographically largest krill die-off on record. The Santa Rosa Press Democrat reports one theory is that a shift in the wind caught the animals near the ocean surface and caused them to be swept ashore. Officials say an examination of 10 krill found all were female and most carried sperm packets, suggesting they may have perished just after mating. Scientists have noted an abundance of krill that have drawn a concentration of whales and salmon this year. Biohazard name: Mass. Die-off (krill) Biohazard level: 0/4 --- Biohazard desc.: This does not included biological hazard category. Symptoms: Status: confirmed
Posted on: Sun, 21 Jul 2013 08:13:20 +0000
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