Oarfish washing ashore in California

SOURCE www.npr.org
Oarfish, a deep-sea creature steeped in folklore, has washed ashore in California multiple times recently. They are associated with bad omens in Japanese folklore but are not necessarily linked to earthquakes. The appearance of oarfish on beaches may be due to changes in ocean conditions.

Key Points

  • Oarfish, typically found at depths of 300 to 3,000 feet, have been washing ashore in Southern California recently.
  • Japanese folklore associates oarfish with prophesies of doom, particularly earthquakes, but scientific studies have not found a strong correlation.
  • The appearance of oarfish on beaches may be related to changes in ocean conditions and increased numbers of oarfish in the area.

Pros

  • Increased sightings of oarfish can provide valuable information for researchers studying deep-sea fish behavior and ocean conditions.

Cons

  • The folklore surrounding oarfish can contribute to misconceptions and unnecessary fear, especially the association with bad omens.