Thu Nov 14 22:50:00 IST 2024: ## Second Rare Oarfish Washes Ashore in San Diego County, Sparking Scientific Interest
**ENCINITAS, Calif.** – For the second time this year, a rare deep-sea oarfish has been found washed ashore in San Diego County, providing scientists with a unique opportunity to study the elusive species.
Last Wednesday, a 9.5-foot oarfish was discovered by Scripps Institution of Oceanography PhD candidate Alison Laferriere at Grandview Beach in Encinitas. This marks the 21st documented instance of an oarfish washing up on California beaches since 1901.
The previous 12.25-foot specimen was discovered in August by kayakers and snorkelers in La Jolla Cove. Both oarfish have been collected and are being studied by the Scripps Oceanography Marine Vertebrate Collection, one of the largest collections of deep-sea fish in the world.
While the reason for these unusual strandings is unclear, scientists suggest it could be linked to changes in ocean conditions, an increase in oarfish populations off the coast, or broader shifts like the El Niño and La Niña cycle.
Oarfish, known for their long, silvery bodies and red dorsal fin crests, have a mythical reputation in some cultures, often associated with natural disasters. While scientists emphasize that this is folklore, the recent strandings are a reminder of the mysteries of the deep ocean and the importance of understanding these rare creatures.
The Scripps Institution of Oceanography encourages anyone who finds unusual or rare creatures on the beach to contact local lifeguards or notify Scripps directly at scrippsnews@ucsd.edu or 858-534-3624.
First Piper 