Following a Mola Mola Rescue

Cape Cod standings of the giant Mola Mola (aka ocean sunfish) hit a new high in 2024. Lower Cape TV joined a rescue operation to learn why these tropical/temperate giants increasingly land on Cape shores what they mean for the ecosystem.

What are Mola Mola?

11.14-2024 — WELLFLEET, MA —    In recent months, Cape Cod has experienced an alarming rise in Mola Mola strandings; in fact 2024 represents the highest number ever recorded. These massive dinner-plate shaped creatures, sometimes called "ocean sunfish," typically live in tropical and temperate waters and can reach 11 feet long and weigh as much as two and half tons.

Carol "Krill" Carson, founder of the New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance (NECWA), has been at the forefront of rescuing the world's largest bony fish as they strand on Cape Cod's cold North Atlantic shores. Lower Cape TV documented a recent NECWA Mola Mola recent rescue in Wellfleet, shedding light on the ongoing challenges and the organization's unwavering commitment to marine wildlife.

What is happening with Mola Molas?

The enormous, oddly shaped fish, often called "misfits" of the sea, have been washing ashore in alarming numbers, raising concerns among marine conservationists. NECWA, led by founder Carol "Krill" Carson, has been instrumental in responding to these strandings by coordinating rescues and working closely with local communities to save the sunfish.

Many of these creatures end up  stranded in shallow waters as they try to navigate south to migrate to warmer seas.  Ocean experts belive that as global warming impacts the temperature of local waters, the fish become confused and then struggle to return to the ocean without help.

Who is Carol Carson

Carol "Krill" Carson, a well-known marine biologist, has dedicated her work to studying and protecting Mola Mola, a species often misunderstood despite its fascinating biology. As the founder of NECWA (New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance), she found and grew NECWA built the organization through volunteer work and public outreach. Carson and NECWA also emphasize the importance of marine education, inspiring the next generation of biologists and conservationists to continue the work of protecting our oceans.  NECWA’s role also extends beyond rescues; they are focused on understanding the broader ecological impact of these strandings and what they might reveal about the health of marine ecosystems.