Unusual Sea Creatures, including Sea Pork, Wash Ashore After Hurricane Helene in Lowcountry

Unusual Sea Creatures Wash Ashore After Hurricane Helene in the Lowcountry

The stunning beaches of the Lowcountry recently witnessed an unexpected visitor after Hurricane Helene made its way through the area at the end of September. From alligators wandering down busy streets to fascinating pink blobs washing up along the coastline, the storm was quite the spectacle for locals. Among the treasures revealed by the turbulent waters is a peculiar creature known as Sea Pork—a name that sounds more fitting for a BBQ joint than a living organism!

Meet Sea Pork

So, what exactly is Sea Pork? Despite its somewhat unappetizing name and appearance, this odd pink blob has some intriguing connections. According to marine experts, Sea Pork is a member of the tunicate family, which means it shares some remarkable traits with creatures we humans know quite well. In fact, during their larval stage, Sea Pork closely resembles human embryos. Isn’t that mind-blowing? This strange creature may look strange and squishy, but beneath its exterior, it’s fascinating!

Where Do They Come From?

Dr. Kim Ritchie, a knowledgeable professor at the University of South Carolina-Beaufort, shared that Sea Pork typically attaches itself to hard surfaces such as rocks or jetties. However, rough weather, like that brought on by Hurricane Helene, often dislodges these creatures, causing them to wash up on our beautiful beaches. Residents of Hilton Head reported sightings of Sea Pork on both the north and south ends of the island after the storm, and it didn’t take long for the social media buzz to start.

The Journey of Sea Pork

Jerry Staub, one of the directors for Shore Beach Services on Hilton Head Island, was among those who ventured out to see what the storm had brought to shore. While covering a three-mile stretch on the island’s northern end, he stumbled upon a few pieces of Sea Pork. “It’s always interesting to see how nature responds to storms,” he said, pointing out both the beauty and the oddity of these post-hurricane findings.

A Closer Look at Their Characteristics

It’s not just their appearance that makes Sea Pork unique. Much like barnacles, these creatures are sessile, meaning they choose a spot to set down roots and stay put. They also act as filter feeders, siphoning nutrients from the water—similar to how oysters feed. Pretty amazing, right? However, once they end up on the beach after rough weather, like fellow seafarers like Portuguese man’o war and cannonballs jellyfish, survival becomes a challenge. Dr. Joseph Staton, another expert from USCB, confirms that Sea Pork likely won’t last long once exposed to open air.

Not Just a Strange Sight

The unique properties of Sea Pork extend beyond its physical attributes. Certain compounds extracted from tunicates like Sea Pork have shown promise in treating serious conditions like cancers and HIV due to their ability to combat fungi and bacteria. It’s incredible to think that this bizarre-looking creature can play a role in the world of medicine!

What to Expect if You Find Sea Pork

If you happen to come across Sea Pork during your next beach visit, don’t be alarmed! While they may not smell great as they dry out, they are harmless to touch. Staub warns us that as these strange pink blobs become less fresh, they can emit an unpleasant odor. So, it might be best to observe them from a distance!

Final Thoughts

The next time a hurricane passes through the Lowcountry, remember to keep an eye out for these fascinating beings. Sea Pork and their quirky kin remind us that nature has its own way of showcasing beauty—even in the aftermath of a storm. Who knows what treasures will wash ashore next!