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What are those little blue critters that stink up the beaches in Marseille?

undefined undefined 7 avril 2024 undefined 18h50

The Editor

Since the beginning of the week, thousands of small blue marine animals resembling spaceships have invaded the beaches of Marseille. And just when the nice weather made us want to take a dip, we were surprised by the nauseating smell coming from them... Here's everything you need to know about this surprising phenomenon.

It's almost impossible to dip a toe in the water, it's so jam-packed! The Bonbon decided to investigate. These are the "velellas," also known as "blue sailboats." They are gelatinous creatures that float on the surface of the water. Their oval and azure blue appearance, about six centimeters long, sets them apart. Belonging to the same family as jellyfish, they drift with the ocean currents. So, it's a completely natural phenomenon and not due to pollution. However, when they decompose, they emit a nauseating smell. And that's not so nice...

The Mysterious Invasion

Since March 21, 2024, thousands of velellas have invaded the beaches of Marseille and the French Riviera. But how did they get there? The wind plays a crucial role in their movement. After a storm, these small marine sailboats end up stranded by the thousands along the coast, mainly in spring and early summer. This time, strong winds have deviated their trajectory, pushing them towards the shores of Marseille. Once stranded, they quickly dry up, forming smelly clusters. It is estimated that several tons of velellas are polluting the atmosphere.

How to cope?

We'll need to arm ourselves with patience and simply wait for the natural decomposition process before we can once again enjoy our beautiful beaches in Marseille…