Scary ocean blob creature invades Seattle

What's slimy, comes from Seattle, and smothers all competition? It's the scary blob alright, but it doesn't sell software or coffee. It's called a tunicate, and it's threatening ocean ecosystems.

Tunicates are encrusting invertebrates, which means they are blanket-like blobs that can cover anything solid. They thrive as invaders and they're turning up in more and more ocean places.

Blogfish raised the ocean blob alarm last year, and things are only getting worse. The Blob was doing well in Hood Canal last year when nearly everything else was dying from low oxygen. There's a blob alert website with info on identifying the blob and advice on what to do if you find one.

The best tip? Get ready for Soylent taupe.

Photo: USGS/NOAA

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