Deep-Sea Creatures Rising to the Surface: A Warning from the Ocean?

Sub: Env

Sec: Species in news

Why in News

In recent months, there has been an alarming increase in sightings of deep-sea creatures near the ocean’s surface. Species like the anglerfish and the oarfish, which typically inhabit extreme depths, have been appearing in shallow waters across various locations.

The Black Sea devil Anglerfish:

It is known for its bioluminescent lure andrazor-sharp teeth, was filmed alive near the surface off the coast of Tenerife in February 2025.
This species typically resides in the bathypelagic or “Midnight Zone,” where sunlight never reaches.
Anglerfish are found worldwide, inhabiting both pelagic (open water) and benthic (sea floor) zones.
Female anglerfish possess a unique dorsal spine that protrudes above their mouths, resembling a fishing pole. This bioluminescent lure attracts prey close enough to be captured.
Their large, flexible mouths and distensible stomachs allow them to swallow prey up to twice their own size.
Some deep-sea anglerfish exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism.
Males are significantly smaller and may become permanent parasites to females, attaching to them and fusing their tissues.

The Oarfish:

The oarfish, a long, ribbon-like deep-sea fish, has traditionally been associated with natural disasters.
In Japanese folklore, it is referred to as Ryūgū no tsukai or “Messenger of the Sea God.”
Notably, multiple oarfish were spotted on Japanese beaches before the 2011 Fukushima earthquake and tsunami.
Recently, sightings have been reported in Baja California and the Canary Islands, reigniting fears about impending seismic activity.
Oarfish are oceanic species found at depths typically up to 656 feet (200 meters) and can reach depths of 3,280 feet (1,000 meters).
Oarfish are the longest bony fish, capable of reaching lengths up to 36 feet (11 meters).
They have a distinctive ribbon-like, silver body with a red dorsal fin running the length of their body.
Oarfish swim by undulating their dorsal fin while keeping their body straight, a mode known as amiiform swimming.
Their diet primarily consists of zooplankton, including tiny euphausiids, shrimp, and other crustaceans. They also consume small fish, jellyfish, and squid.

Scientific Explanations:

While folklore suggests these sightings predict disaster, scientists offer more evidence-based explanations:
Climate Change & Warming Oceans: The ocean absorbs nearly 90% of excess heat from global warming, altering marine currents and depleting oxygen levels. Deep-sea species may be migrating to shallower, cooler waters to survive.
Underwater Seismic Activity: Some researchers suggest that seismic shifts release gas bubbles, electrostatic charges, or toxic compounds like hydrogen peroxide, which could be disorienting deep-sea organisms.
Effects of El Niño & La Niña: Oceanic climate cycles like El Niño and La Niña disrupt temperature patterns, causing unpredictable movements in marine life.
Increased Human Observation: Rare strandings of deep-sea creatures have likely occurred throughout history. However, advancements in technology and social media have made these occurrences more visible, increasing public awareness and speculation.