Thousands of starfish have been found washed up on a beach in Fife, Scotland, with experts attributing the mass stranding to heavy seas and strong currents. The invertebrates were discovered across a wide stretch of Kirkcaldy beach on Monday, with many propelled onto the paved footpath by large waves.
By Tuesday, the decaying remains of the creatures lay strewn in heaps across the sand, drawing bemused locals who navigated the unusual landscape, many capturing photographs. Local resident Helen Clark, 86, who has lived in Kirkcaldy for around 50 years, said she had never seen anything like it, noting the strong winds the previous day.
Her son, Andrew, who travelled from nearby Inverkeithing, described the sight as "very unusual" and expressed concern about what might have killed them. Professor David Ferrier from the Scottish Oceans Institute at the University of St Andrews said Monday's heavy seas are a "likely explanation" for the stranding, adding that it was an unfortunate but natural event.
Professor Ferrier explained that starfish can survive out of water for only a few minutes if completely high and dry, and advised that any still alive should be returned to the sea. He noted that it is easy to tell if a starfish is alive by observing the movement of its tube feet.
