Millions of Bright Blue Blobs Called 'By-the-Wind Sailors' Are Littering Beaches Along the West Coast
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Millions of by-the-wind sailors are washing up on beaches along the West Coast, creating a striking visual and a strong odor. These creatures, which are a type of zooplankton, are typically found in large numbers during spring due to favorable environmental conditions. Scientists suggest that climate change and a potential El Niño may be contributing to this year's unusual strandings.
- ▪By-the-wind sailors are oval-shaped creatures that can grow up to four inches long.
- ▪They are made up of genetically identical organisms called zooids, which perform different tasks.
- ▪This year, the sheer number of by-the-wind sailors has made beaches in the San Francisco Bay Area appear blue from a distance.
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Millions of Bright Blue Blobs Called ‘By-the-Wind Sailors’ Are Littering Beaches Along the West Coast The strange creatures are washing up on shores across California, Oregon and Washington this spring—and making the coast smell especially fishy Sarah Kuta | Daily Correspondent May 19, 2026 12:00 p.m. ShareCopy linkEmailSMSFacebookXRedditLinkedInBlueskyPrintAdd as preferred source Each by-the-wind sailor is made of a community of genetically identical organisms called "zooids" that perform different tasks. J.D. Newman / Washington State Parks Millions of squishy, bright blue blobs are washing ashore along the Pacific coast, creating a striking spectacle—and a pungent smell—on beaches in California, Oregon and Washington.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Smithsonian Magazine.
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