An apocalyptic scenario: tens of thousands of dead Humboldt squids (Dosidicus gigas) have been washed up on the shores of Santa Maria Island in Chile over the past week. However, scientists still ignore the causes of this mysterious mass die-off. The mass deaths of these large cephalopods may have been caused to increased sea
An apocalyptic scenario: tens of thousands of dead Humboldt squids (Dosidicus gigas) have been washed up on the shores of Santa Maria Island in Chile over the past week. However, scientists still ignore the causes of this mysterious mass die-off.
The mass deaths of these large cephalopods may have been caused to increased sea water temperatures, linked to El Niño, but other forms of pollution haven’t been excluded. The decomposition of the animals, besides originating a terrific smell, raises concern for local population’s health. In fact, many bulldozers are working to collect and bury carcasses.
In order to shed light on the phenomenon, the technicians of the Chilean Service for Fisheries and Aquaculture (Sernapesca) have collected samples of dead squid and sea water for analysis in specialised centres. Islanders are used to see fish and cephalopods wash ashore this period of the year, but it’s the very first time the phenomenon has reached biblical proportions.
According to Rodrigo Valencia of Sernapesca, the Humboldt squid die-off may have been caused by the so called upwelling, an oceanographic phenomenon that involves wind-driven motion of dense, cooler, and usually nutrient-rich water towards the ocean surface, replacing the warmer, usually nutrient-depleted surface water.
This phenomenon lures whales and other large predators, causing “a drop in oxygen levels, which led to the death of these creatures,” Valencia said.
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