Stormy weather sees dead starfish flood city beach

Shocked visitors to the secluded beach of Wardie Bay, in Granton, have found thousands of dead starfish washed up at the high tide mark over the last few weeks, with no obvious explanation.

Now the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has said the deaths are a "natural phenomenon" linked to stormy weather and very high spring tides.

Similar cases have been reported in parts of England and in Europe, but this is the only known incident in Scotland this year.

It is thought the starfish gather in shallow water at this time of year to feed on shellfish and mate. Marine experts say they are more susceptible to high tides and storms after becoming exhausted spawning.

Roy Ashby, who is self-employed and lives in Granton, discovered the starfish while walking on the beach with his grandchildren at the beginning of March.

He said: "It was quite shocking. There were thousands of dead starfish washed up. The beach here was covered in them – some in heaps, and some spread more thinly, so obviously washed up on the top of the tide. They were all of a similar size – about six inches in diameter.

"It was the day after the highest tides, and there was also a lot of seaweed washed up. I'd guess that stormy weather or perhaps just large waves did all this damage."

He has been monitoring the beach over the last few weeks, and says there are still many of the dead fish left. He said he and his neighbours had been concerned at first that it could be the result of pollution.

"There are still hundreds to be seen along the high tide mark, once you look carefully," he said. "They're a bit dried out looking and the gulls and crows will have consumed the bulk of them."

Chris Gall, a senior environment protection officer with SEPA, said: "We received a call about large numbers of dead starfish at Wardie Bay at the beginning of March. This would appear to be a natural phenomenon that has occurred elsewhere in the British Isles and SEPA is satisfied that there is no indication that pollution caused this.

"This species of starfish is known to periodically gather in large numbers in calm conditions, to breed or feed. Where there has been an incoming storm and very high and very low spring tides then the effect may be to wash the starfish on to the beach, where they are stranded."

The starfish belong to the species Asterias rubens, which is common in the seas around Scotland.

Although the deaths were natural, Mr Gall has urged anyone concerned about unusual environmental changes to contact SEPA on 0800-80 70 60.