Southshore beach takes on orange hue as tiny marine creatures wash ashore
A Christchurch beach has taken on a striking bright orange tinge after millions of tiny marine creatures washed ashore.
Resident Moreen Sackree was taking a stroll on Southshore beach in South New Brighton about 10am on Tuesday, when she came across what she believed were millions of “little krill or squat lobsters”.
“I came across an orange beach – something I've never seen [before].”
Sackree said many of the marine creatures appeared to be dead and were “quite dense” in some areas.
“I tried to put them back into the water but there was just so many there it didn't seem like it was making a difference, it was definitely a rare sight to see.”
Another beach goer, Eve Driver, said when she came across the swarm about 6pm on Tuesday, none of them were alive and many had been buried under the sand.
“The seagulls were going crazy and there was lots of red bird poo.”
Marine ecologist John Pirker, from the University of Canterbury, said the tiny creatures appeared to be gregarious squat lobster – a small crustacean that feeds on the ocean floor.
Squat lobsters generally move in large swarms along the eastern coast of the South Island.
They swam inshore to breed after completing their “larval cycle”, and settled in shallow waters – usually between October and May each year.
🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…
I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?
Do you think you know the answer?
Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
-
52.9% Human-centred experience and communication
-
14.6% Critical thinking
-
29.8% Resilience and adaptability
-
2.7% Other - I will share below!
Considering Renting Out Your Holiday Home?
Hey Neighbours,
Are you thinking about renting out your holiday home, or want better results from your short-term rental?
As part of the Neighbourly community, Bachcare is offering you a FREE short-term rental appraisal to help discover your property’s earning potential.
With over 20 years of experience, Bachcare supports more than 1,500 homeowners nationwide with 24/7 guest management, local on-the-ground support, and professional cleaning services. We make hosting effortless while maximising your income.
Feel free to reach out to us if you want to find out more!
The Bachcare Team
Loading…