A mass stranding of the asteroid Asterias rubens on the Isle of Man

Over the period 1-4 April 1999 a large number of dead asteroids were washed ashore at the northern end of the Isle of Man. The area is commonly used f or public recreation and the stranding prompted numerous alarmed telephone calls to various bodies. Initially, disease or pollution were suspected, bu t a more detailed examination of the circumstances indicated that the mass stranding was probably a result of tides and weather conditions. The strand ing occurred on the cast coast of the Isle of Man from about 100 m to the s outh of the Point of Ayre, which is the northernmost point of the Isle of M an. and extended southwards for similar to 600 m. This is a highly exposed shore with a strong tidal how subtidally it is shallow, with coarse gravel and exposed bedrock, and extensive mussel (Mytilus edulis) beds, which may be expected to attract large numbers of predatory starfish.