Phenomenal influx of gelatinous sea creatures puzzles scientists and delights beachgoers along Southern California coast

The mysterious purple blobs washing ashore are colonial hydroids known as "By-the-Wind Sailors."
They are plankton eaters that pose little danger to humans, though their sting can irritate sensitive skin.
The sudden bloom of Velella velella may be linked to warming ocean temperatures associated with climate change.
While their presence often signifies El Niño conditions, scientists remain unsure of the exact environmental factors behind the current influx.