MidnightWatcher – Prophecy in Motion

“The identity of a mystery clump of alien-like creatures found beached in Lyall Bay yesterday has puzzled experts.

Thousands of the tiny creatures were spotted washed up yesterday afternoon.

The transparent creatures with black eyes and little legs could be from deeper water as they were darker than what is normal for intertidal species, a Niwa spokeswoman said. Auckland University associate professor Mark Costello said the creatures could be either Phronima or Hyperia amphipods.

Phronima lived inside salps – gelatinous animals that float in plankton – and fed on their innards while using the tube for their home. Hyperia live inside jellyfish.

Both swam through the water using their back legs and despite their gruesome appearance were harmless to humans.

‘I wonder if the maker of the movie Predator had seen them as they could inspire some good sci- fi,’ Mr Costello said.

But Victoria University PhD student Lisa Bryant said it appeared to be a Themisto australis, which is the only species found in coastal mainland New Zealand.

They formed in dense swarms and other strandings had been reported in places such as England and Canada.” Read more.

Guyana: Large number of birds and fish found dead – “Guyana’s government is trying to determine what is causing an outbreak of illness among Amerindians in the South American country’s gold mining region. Health Minister Leslie Ramsammy said Saturday that his agency has sent doctors to test dozens of people suffering from diarrhea and vomiting. He said an unusual number of birds and fish also have been found dead in the region near the western border with Venezuela. The World Wildlife Fund this week warned that mercury and other toxins are contaminating the region’s rivers and jungles as more people rush to seek gold due to record world prices.” Source – Taiwan News.

Florida: Nearly 400 Manatees Have Been Found Dead So Far This Year – “NORTH PALM BEACH, Fla. — A 1,000-pound manatee is being released after 20 months of recovery from severe injuries. The female manatee, named Illusion, is set for release Wednesday in North Palm Beach. Illusion was rescued in March 2010 in Riviera Beach after suffering deep lacerations in a boat strike. She went through rehabilitation at the Miami Seaquarium and the Cincinnati Zoo before being deemed ready for release. Nearly 400 manatees have been found dead in Florida so far this year.” Source- Miami Herald.