Here in the PNW, we've been focused on the havoc that the storms caused us terrestrials on the surface, but the big storm last week really shook up the underwater world, too. It washed up a lot of life on the Pacific shore that belongs on the ocean floor.
More "ghost forests" appeared on the beaches, there are odd finds on the central coast, and a ten-mile stretch up north is covered in a massive debris field.
There was a dead but lifelike umbrella or butterfly crab,
a giant jellyfish,
numerous sea stars and egg casings, ascidians, various types of sponge, bryozoans, moon snail shells, hermit crabs, cockle clams, tubeworms, Dungeness crabs and black skate egg casings, according to the Seaside Aquarium.
Also quite rare was the leather star, which is hardly ever seen above water in this part of the Pacific Ocean. ... The sights are stunning, but they make me sad for the creatures.
All photos by Tiffany Boothe, Seaside Aquarium
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