Summary
Thousands of starfish washed up on a beach in Fife, Scotland, likely due to strong winds and tides that disturbed them from the shallow seabed. Local authorities are monitoring the situation and advise people to keep dogs away from the starfish because they can be poisonous to dogs.
Key Facts
- Thousands of starfish appeared on Kirkcaldy beach in Fife, Scotland.
- It happened after strong winds, which can cause seabed disturbances.
- Starfish are often found in shallow waters, making them more prone to washing ashore.
- The Fife Coast and Countryside Trust is observing the situation and will let tides naturally reclaim the starfish.
- Authorities have warned pet owners to prevent dogs from eating the starfish because they can be poisonous.
- The Scottish Environment Protection Agency noted that similar events have occurred before and are part of natural marine cycles.
- The concept of "starballing," where starfish float on currents, may explain such strandings.
- Dr. Emma Sheehan and her team at Plymouth University discovered this behavior, suggesting starfish use currents to move to new areas.
