Black Sea Crabs: An Unusual Sight on the Shoreline
At the Tuzlovsky Limans National Nature Park along the Black Sea, an astonishing number of crabs have been washed onto the beach by the waves. Many of them are females carrying eggs.
This phenomenon was shared by ecologist Ivan Rusev on his Facebook page.
According to the scientist, this occurrence is a result of upwelling — a natural process that brings cold water from the ocean depths to the surface. This is linked to shifts in water temperature and wind patterns that elevate cooler layers. This influx of cold water is what «washed» the crabs ashore.
Park staff and concerned local residents have been working to rescue as many live crabs as possible, returning them to the sea.
These crabs are excellent swimmers. Their fourth pair of legs is adapted for aquatic life and resembles paddles. Typically, they reside at considerable depths.
