Hundreds of Humboldt Squid Appear Off Coast

Jumbo squid can be seen swimming in Pacific Ocean in Mexico and California

Hundreds of jumbo squid have been spotted off the coast of San Diego this week, according to local fishermen.

The Humboldt squid, which are known to defensively squirt ink, can currently be seen just a few miles off the coast. They've appeared a few times before, typically in the colder months.

Nigella Hillgarth, executive director of Birch Aquarium at Scripps, said there are a couple reasons the squid have made a California appearance.

β€œThey are coming up with the warming weather currents,” she said. β€œThey are following their prey.”

It was once hypothesized the squid might be breeding off the West Coast, but research from Stanford University suggests they are merely looking for food.

Though the squid have strength in numbers, they are weaker when it comes to shoreline water quality. The invertebrates will often beach themselves because they become ill.

β€œBlooms of algae suggest they may be more sensitive to low toxicity,” said Hillgarth.

She also advises people not to touch the squid if they’ve been beached as they as they might be diseased.

It is, however, perfectly legal to go fishing for squid. Seaforth Sportfishing captured pictures (seen right) of customers holding the creatures after an excursion along the San Diego coast.

But how long will the squid be here? Right now, researchers are working to find out.

β€œMy best guess is while there is still food,” Hillgarth said.

Contact Us