Sea potatoes, fragile urchin skeletons, washed ashore in Texas due to cooler weather, not pollution.

Sea potatoes, the skeletal remains of heart urchins, have washed ashore along Texas beaches, sparking curiosity among residents and scientists. These fragile, sand dollar-like creatures are naturally occurring and not linked to pollution. Experts believe cooler weather may have caused a die-off, leading to the recent sightings. Despite their delicate nature, intact specimens have been documented by marine researchers, highlighting the region’s hidden marine biodiversity. The phenomenon offers a rare glimpse into ocean floor life and the dynamic rhythms of coastal ecosystems.