Lowcountry Residents Discover Unusual Sea Pork Creatures After Hurricane Helene

Lowcountry Residents Encounter Unusual Creatures Post-Hurricane

After the winds of Hurricane Helene rattled through the Lowcountry at the end of September, locals were buzzing with excitement and curiosity. What’s been washing up on the beaches? It turns out that along with the usual flotsam and jetsam, people were spotting some pretty strange-looking creatures. And no, we’re not talking about alligators taking leisurely strolls through the streets, we’re talking about something even more intriguing: sea pork!

What Exactly is Sea Pork?

So, what is this funky-looking pink blob that has been showing up along Hilton Head’s shores? Officially known as sea squirt, or perhaps more comically as sea pork, this creature might look a bit odd, but it has a pretty fascinating backstory. According to Dr. Kim Ritchie from the University of South Carolina-Beaufort, sea pork is a member of the tunicate family. Its soft interior is safeguarded by a thick skin, or tunic, which helps to protect it from predators.

A Close Relative to Humans

Believe it or not, sea pork has a surprising connection to us humans! During their larval stage, these unique creatures share several characteristics with human embryos, as Dr. Joseph Staton explains. During this stage, they exhibit several traits that make them distant relatives to humans. Isn’t that mind-blowing? While they may not resemble us much as adults, they do have some interesting links!

Why Do They Wash Up on the Beach?

As natural science professor Dr. Ritchie notes, sea pork typically latches onto hard surfaces like rocks or jetties. However, during fierce storms like Hurricane Helene, these sometimes-unattached creatures can be dislodged from their homes and find themselves washed up on our beautiful beaches. Local director Jerry Staub from Shore Beach Services shared that after the storm, he encountered just a few pieces while patrolling three miles of the north end of the island. It seems like nature’s way of reminding us that even the smallest marine life can be impacted by strong weather.

What Happens Next?

Once they land on the shore, though, it’s essential to be aware that these creatures won’t usually survive for long. Sea pork, much like other stranded sea life such as Portuguese man-o-war and cannonball jellyfish, will likely perish once cast away from their seawater environments. They begin to turn from their vibrant pink hue to a pale gray as they die, which many people have certainly noticed when they visit the beach.

A Smelly End

While sea pork might not pose any harm to beachgoers, those who come upon them should be mindful of their scent as they dry out on the beach. No one wants to have their beach day ruined by unpleasant smells, but these quirky creatures have a lot to teach us about marine ecosystems.

Health Benefits of Sea Pork

Though it may sound surprising, compounds derived from creatures like sea pork have been studied due to their potential health benefits. Researchers have extracted these compounds to investigate their effectiveness in treating conditions like cancer and HIV, thanks to their remarkable properties that combat fungi and bacteria. Who knew these strange blobs could play a part in medical marvels?

Join the Conversation!

So, the next time you’re out at the beach, keep your eyes peeled! You might just stumble upon some sea pork that washed up from the recent storm. Don’t forget to snap a picture and share it on social media! Whether you admire them for their oddities or marvel at their connection to human biology, sea pork is undoubtedly an interesting highlight of the Lowcountry’s marine life. 🌊