Bathers on the beaches of Cantabria have been baffled by the sudden arrival of salps, gelatinous marine organisms, in El Sardinero, Mataleñas, San Juan de la Canal and La Maruca.
In this article we are going to tell you What are salps and why are there so many of them now on the beaches of Cantabria?.
What are salps
While their presence may initially cause concern, it is important to note that these creatures are completely harmless and pose no threat to humans. It should also be noted that just a week ago sightings of Portuguese warships were reported on the beaches of Laredo, Santoña, Noja and San Vicente. It is understandable that this has caused alarm among bathers, but It is necessary to clarify that the appearance of the salps is different and much less alarming.
Salps are a peculiar marine organism that defy classification as a fish or jellyfish. Marine organisms that possess a transparent appearance can often be confused with microplastics or glass fragments. These harmless invertebrates, known as salps, play a vital role within the marine ecosystem. Experts affirm that the increase in the salp population on the Cantabrian coast is a direct consequence of climate change and rising temperatures.
Despite its resemblance to jellyfish, Salpa fusiformis is not actually a fish or jellyfish. They belong to a group of animals called tunicates, and their scientific name is Salpa fusiformis. These creatures are hermaphrodites, which means they have both male and female reproductive organs. Their reproductive process involves generational alternation, where they go through both asexual and sexual phases. During the asexual phase they reproduce by cloning, while in the sexual phase they use female and male gametes. A notable characteristic of Salpa fusiformis is its rapid multiplication capacity.
These invertebrates tend to manifest themselves in two different ways: individually or in sequence, extending up to 15 meters.
What should you do when encountering these creatures?
Both local authorities and marine experts emphasize that the appearance of salps is a natural and transitory event that does not represent a threat to the safety of the beaches or the well-being of swimmers. It is advisable to simply ignore them and carry on as usual. Unlike jellyfish, salps lack tentacles and therefore do not sting or cause any damage when they come into contact with the skin.
Found in oceans around the world, specifically the fusiform salp or common salp, salps play a fundamental role in maintaining marine ecological balance. These extraordinary organisms actively filter seawater, effectively regulating phytoplankton and the carbon cycle. As a result, Its presence is very advantageous, as it guarantees a balanced and prosperous marine ecosystem.
The presence of these invertebrates along the coast may surprise or worry those who do not know them. However, no need to be alarmed. In fact, beachgoers have been assured that the salps pose no threat. Additionally, its presence serves as a reminder of the effects of global warming on our ecosystem, which has caused changes in the distribution of various marine species.
Despite the presence of these organisms, the coast of Cantabria continues to be a safe and pleasant environment, especially during the summer season. Authorities will continue to monitor the situation and provide the necessary information to ensure the peace of both residents and visitors to the area.
Distinctive features
Salps exist in various forms, either as colonies composed of hundreds of individuals or as solitary organisms or chains. These chains have the potential to reach impressive lengths of up to 15 metres, driven by the force of ocean currents. Salps are predominantly composed of water, which represents 95% of their composition, making them extremely delicate and unable to survive for long periods outside their aquatic habitat.
Salps, unlike jellyfish, do not have the ability to sting or cause harm. Their role within the ecosystem is of utmost importance, since they are important in the process of air purification and the absorption of carbon dioxide (CO2) from water, thus contributing significantly to the fight against climate change.
Environmental value of salps
Salps are essential for maintaining the diversity of marine life. Through their consumption of phytoplankton, they actively promote the sequestration of CO2 at the bottom of the ocean, contributing substantially to the global reduction of this greenhouse gas in the atmosphere.
Furthermore, after their disappearance, these creatures sink to considerable depths, becoming sustenance for a wide range of marine organisms, such as cetaceans and turtles. Guidelines for swimmers when encountering salps.
To ensure the well-being of salps, it is important to refrain from touching them or removing them from the water, as they can perish when removed from their natural habitat even if they do not represent any threat.
To preserve their delicate structure, it is recommended to refrain from handling them, even if they do not cause any damage. When lifeguards spot large groups of salps, It is important to notify them so that they can implement the necessary actions and guide other swimmers.
Promoting the protection and conservation of salps in the ecosystem is facilitated by a comprehensive understanding of their ecological value and their importance in terms of environmental awareness.
How to differentiate them from jellyfish
Salps have a tubular and almost completely transparent body, which allows them to camouflage themselves in the water. Unlike jellyfish, salps move by contraction, pumping water through their body to move. This pumping action also allows them to filter food particles from the water, such as phytoplankton. Salps are usually found in large chains or colonies floating on the sea surface, which is one of their distinctive characteristics. Besides, Salps do not have tentacles, which clearly differentiates them from jellyfish.
Jellyfish, on the other hand, are cnidarians, a completely different group of marine animals. Its most common shape is that of a "hat" or bell with tentacles that hang downwards. The tentacles of jellyfish are covered with stinging cells, called cnidocytes, which they use to capture prey and defend themselves. Unlike salps, jellyfish do not form floating chains. Their movement is more rhythmic and undulating, thanks to the contraction of their bell, which allows them to move more independently in the water.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about what salps are and why there are so many of them on the beaches of Cantabria now.