They’ve washed ashore periodically over the years because
of any number of natural effects, but research scientist Michael Shane of the
Hubbs SeaWorld Research Institute in San Diego cited El Nino as the phenomenon
that might have pushed the crabs up from their normal habitat far offshore.
The result is certain death and nothing can be done to save
the crabs.
“The crabs start to die because the local waters are much
cooler,” Shane told ABC News today. “Local animals have begun to eat the crabs
and they have been found in the gut contents of sea lions, fish, and birds.”
The remaining carcasses will remain on the shore until they
decompose or are swept back into the water.
