In recent days, bathers and residents of different coastal regions of Spain have begun to observe strange gelatinous and translucent organisms floating in the sea or washed up on the shore. Many people mistake them for jellyfish or even pieces of plastic, but they are actually salps, marine invertebrates that, although not common on our beaches, are increasingly being seen.
La massive presence of salps On beaches like those of Alicante, Ibiza, or the Cantabrian coast, it has caused surprise and some alarm, especially among those unfamiliar with their nature. However, these animals, although striking, are absolutely harmless to people and play an essential role in the health of the sea.
What are salps and how to recognize them?
The salps They belong to the tunicate group, a branch of invertebrates whose main characteristic is having their bodies wrapped in a thin, transparent membrane, known as a tunic. Although their appearance makes them resemble jellyfish, have no close relationship with them, and his Body structure is more reminiscent of a small barrel with two siphons at each endThrough these siphons they expel water to move with a movement similar to the propulsion of a rocket.
El The size of salps usually ranges between 1 and 10 centimeters.. They are often seen in long colonial chains They can grow to over 10 meters in length, although solitary specimens also exist. Their almost transparent bodies reveal internal organs such as the heart, gonads, and pharynx, which helps differentiate them from other gelatinous animals.
Some tips to identify them:
- barrel shape and gelatinous appearance.
- Transparency that allows you to see internal organs, sometimes brownish if there is phytoplankton inside.
- Presence alone or in long chains floating at shallow depths.
- Movement by expulsion of water through siphons.
Do they sting? Are they dangerous?
One of the most common questions about salps is whether they can sting or be harmful, as is the case with many jellyfish. The answer is resounding: they do not bite nor are they dangerous.Salps lack toxins and do not have the stinging cells found in jellyfish. They are so fragile that they can easily fall apart when touched..
While its gelatinous texture may be uncomfortable upon contact, They do not pose any danger to human healthAuthorities and experts insist that they should not be handled or removed from the sea, as they die quickly out of water and their ecological function is disrupted.
Some key differences from jellyfish:
- They do not cause hives or any harm to bathers.
- There is no need to notify lifeguards or restrict swimming.
- Its mere presence indicates a healthy sea and in balance.
Their ecological role: guardians of balance in the sea
Far beyond its appearance, Salps perform essential functions in marine ecosystemsThey are great consumers of phytoplankton, those tiny plant organisms that absorb carbon dioxide (COâ‚‚) and produce oxygen. By feeding on phytoplankton, salps:
- They regulate the biomass of microorganisms in the water, contributing to the cleanliness of the sea.
- They help reduce atmospheric COâ‚‚, as their carbon-rich excrement and dead bodies sink to the ocean floor, where the carbon is stored for years or centuries.
- They contribute to the nutrient cycle and oxygenation of the sea, facilitating the survival of a multitude of species.
Interestingly, when phytoplankton is abundant, salps can reproduce by asexual cloning, doubling their numbers in a short time and forming spectacular floating chains. This ability explains their large population explosions at certain times.
Why are they appearing on the Spanish coast now?
La proliferation of salps on Spanish beaches it is not a new phenomenon, but it has been more striking this summer. There are several factors that explain its abundance:
- Increase in phytoplankton, their main food source, due to warmer waters and higher concentration of nutrients.
- Changes in the weather and global warming, which have favored optimal conditions for the development of these colonies.
- Natural cycles of the ocean, which periodically record population explosions of salps, as has already occurred in recent years (2019, 2021 and 2024).
On beaches such as El Sardinero, Mataleñas, San Juan de la Canal, and La Maruca, these organisms have been especially abundant, generating curiosity and, at times, confusion among bathers.
Recommendations and curiosities about salps
In the presence of salps on the beach, the main recommendation is Do not manipulate them or remove them from the waterThey are very sensitive animals and, outside their marine environment, they die within minutes. It is not necessary to notify the lifeguards either., as they pose no threat. If you have any doubts or are curious, you can observe them up close—even floating underwater—but always respect their life cycle.
On the other hand, the appearance of salps is also a good reminder of the importance of knowing and understanding marine biodiversityThese often unknown invertebrates are a tangible demonstration of the complexity and balance of the oceans.
