Here’s what to do if you find a jellyfish, starfish or octopus on a SC beach, DNR expert says
While walking on the beach, you’ll probably run across a sea creature on the shore.
Jellyfish, starfish, sand dollars and the occasional octopus wash up on South Carolina beaches all year round. For these invertebrates, sitting exposed to the sun and air will eventually kill them.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources spokesperson Erin Weeks explained how to help these animals.
What makes sea creatures wash ashore?
Creatures like jellyfish, starfish and sand dollars rely on the wind and current to move around. If an offshore storm or strong winds push these invertebrates too close to shore, they can get stuck on the sands.
When mammals like dolphins or whales becomes stranded, it likely means the animal is sick or injured. The Lowcountry Marine Mammal Center recommends leaving the animal alone and calling SCDNR’s hotline at 1-800-922-5431.
Weeks said cannonball jellyfish are more likely to wash up in the warmer months, while the stinging lion’s mane species tend to show up when waters are cooler.
What should you do if you find a sea creature on the beach?
If you recognize the animal, feel free to toss it back into the ocean, Weeks said. She warned against picking up jellyfish, as stinging species like Portuguese man o’ war and lion’s mane can still hurt humans even when the jellyfish is dead.
While returning a sand dollar or octopus to the ocean won’t make a huge difference in the beach ecosystem, “one little act of stewardship makes a difference that is meaningful for us,” Weeks said. “It’s like a little act of humanity.”
This story was originally published November 7, 2023 at 6:00 AM.
