What Are Those Blue Blobs Washing Up On SoCal Beaches?
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Published: 19 May 2023
Velella velella, or “by-the-wind sailors,” are blue hydrozoans that drift with winds and currents, often washing ashore in spring. Though jelly-like with stinging cells, they are harmless to humans and play a role in ocean ecosystems.
Keywords: Velella velella, by-the-wind sailors, hydrozoans, Southern California, zooplankton, ocean currents, marine life
New Study Finds Bio-Based Plastic and Plastic-Blend Textiles Do Not Biodegrade in the Ocean
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Published: 24 May 2023
A Scripps study tested natural, synthetic, and blended fabrics in the ocean. Natural cellulose textiles degraded in a month, while PLA and oil-based plastics showed no breakdown even after 428 days, raising concerns over “biodegradable” claims.
Keywords: textile pollution, biodegradation, PLA plastic, cellulose fabrics, microfibers, Scripps Pier, marine pollution
From the Ocean to the Happiest Place on Earth
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Published: 29 May 2023
Scripps alumna Astrid Hsu (MAS MBC ’16) now works as Environmental Integration Manager at Disney, helping achieve 2030 sustainability goals. Her path blends marine conservation, interdisciplinary science, and stakeholder engagement.
Keywords: Astrid Hsu, Scripps alumni, Disney, sustainability, marine conservation, interdisciplinary science, leadership
