Feb 10, 2025 | Victoria News via UVic News
Off the coast of Esquimalt’s Macaulay Point Park, hundreds of “evil-looking worms” were spotted in the water by a man walking his dog, described as resembling giant sea centipedes. Benjamin Neal, an assistant teaching professor in the School of Environmental Studies and the Department of Biology at the University of Victoria, provided expert insight into the phenomenon the man witnessed. He identified the creatures as polychaetes, specifically giant pile worms, which rise to the surface once a year to reproduce.
This phenomenon, triggered by tides, lunar cycles, and pheromones, was likely what was witnessed. Dr. Neal highlighted the beauty and mystery of this natural event and discussed how human activities, like artificial lighting, could impact such phenomena.
Dr. Benjamin Neal specializes in marine ecology, focusing on ecosystem responses to anthropogenic disturbances, advanced sensing of benthic marine ecosystems, and marine resource conservation. Neal is also actively involved in educational outreach and environmental conservation, leading field trips for students to explore salmon production on Vancouver Island, fostering transparency and understanding of sustainable practices. His work helps bridge the gap between academic research and practical, community-based environmental stewardship.
Dr. Neal has written a number of articles about environmental changes and marine ecology, some of which are available to read on our online repository, UVicSpace.
Photo by Engin Akyurt
