Beach left covered in thousands of squid after ‘mass spawning die-off’

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThousands of brown-tinged Atlantic longfin inshore squid recently washed ashore on a stretch of beach along Cape Cod, Massachusetts.Provincetown's Harbormaster's Office said that the mass stranding event was "completely natural" and not a cause for alarm, writing: “What you’re seeing is the Atlantic longfin inshore squid (Doryteuthis pealeii) at the end of its life cycle. These squid migrate inshore to spawn — and like many species, the adults die shortly after spawning. It’s a mass spawning die-off. Add in the right combination of wind and tide, and the dying animals get pushed up onto the beach instead of staying out in the water.”Growing up to 1.6 feet in length, the squid has a lifespan of less than a year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The mass die-off typically occurs underwater, where their bodies are quickly consumed by predators.While the sight may be unsettling or potentially smelly, beachgoers are assured that it is Mother Nature at work and can shovel the squid back into the water if they wish.“Will they smell? Possibly a little, as they break down,” the harbormaster's office wrote. “If the squid in front of your stretch of beach are bothering you, feel free to shovel them right back into the water — totally fine to do, and the tide and critters will handle the rest.”In fullThousands of squid just washed on a Cape Cod beach — but scientists say not to worryThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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