Hurricane Helene Unleashes Unique Marine Life: Sea Pork Washes Ashore in Hilton Head Island

When Hurricanes Bring the Unexpected: Sea Pork on Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island residents recently experienced an interesting phenomenon thanks to Hurricane Helene. With the winds howling and the waves crashing, some unusual visitors made their way to the shores of this beautiful Lowcountry destination. What did they encounter? Something that may look strange but is a fascinating part of marine life—Sea Pork!

What is Sea Pork, Anyway?

You might be wondering, “What in the world is sea pork?” Well, this curious creature, sometimes known as sea squirt, tends to get washed ashore during rough weather. After the hurricane’s passing, many locals took to social media to share photos of these pink blobs that quite literally made a splash on the beaches. Jerry Staub, one of the directors for Shore Beach Services on Hilton Head, mentioned that he spotted a few pieces while covering a three-mile stretch on the island’s north end.

So, what exactly is sea pork? According to Dr. Kim Ritchie, a professor at the University of South Carolina-Beaufort, sea pork is part of a family of animals called tunicates. They live attached to hard surfaces like rocks or jetties but can easily be dislodged during intense weather. During Hurricane Helene, many of these creatures found themselves unceremoniously tossed onto the sandy shorelines.

Sea-ing the Bigger Picture

Dr. Joseph Staton, another professor at USCB, explained that once sea pork ends up on the beach, it typically doesn’t survive. But there’s a lot to appreciate about these interesting beings. Sea pork can be spotted all along the Atlantic seaboard and the Gulf of Mexico. They start off a vibrant pink color, but as they die, they turn a pale gray—definitely looking more like its name suggests!

You might not believe it, but during their larvae stage, sea pork share some common traits with human embryos. This connection makes them distant relatives to us! It’s pretty wild to think that a creature resembling fish food has such a close link to humans.

Unpacking Their Habits

Much like barnacles, sea pork are what scientists call sessile, which means once they find a suitable spot, they don’t move. If that spot happens to be in a rough part of the ocean, they may form their colonies and play a role in the local ecosystem. Like oysters, these creatures are also filter feeders, helping to keep our waters clean. What’s more, researchers are investigating compounds from sea pork as potential treatments for some serious health issues, including certain cancers and HIV. Their ability to fend off harmful fungi and bacteria is something that has caught the attention of scientists everywhere.

Handling Sea Pork

Though sea pork might look a little bizarre, there’s no cause for concern when it comes to touching these creatures. They are generally harmless. However, residents on Hilton Head should be aware that as they dry up on the beach, they can start to smell a bit unpleasant. So, while the sight may be intriguing, keeping your distance is probably a good move if you’re sensitive to odors!

The Lowcountry’s Unique Ecosystem

This curious relationship with hurricanes highlights how storms can bring unique facets of the Lowcountry’s ecosystem to the forefront. It’s a reminder that nature is full of surprises, and sometimes, the aftermath of a storm can reveal new stories waiting to be told. So the next time someone mentions sea pork, you’ll know that behind that strange-looking blob is a creature with an incredible history and a unique connection to all of us.

While Hurricane Helene may have brought some strange surprises to Hilton Head Island, it also reminded us about the wonders of marine life that exist beneath the ocean waves. Who knows what else the next storm may wash ashore?