•1 min read•from Marine Biology Subreddit
What is this bone from? In San Diego, California
Our take
While freediving in San Diego, a diver discovered a bone approximately 18 inches long, initially mistaking it for plastic trash. Upon closer inspection, the bone displayed remnants of flesh or cartilage, indicating it was organic. Its solid, well-fused structure suggests it could be a vertebra or rib from a marine animal, possibly associated with the local populations of sea lions, harbor seals, or large sharks in the area. This intriguing find highlights the importance of ocean stewardship and the need for awareness of marine debris.

| Saw this while freediving, about 18 inches long. I pick up trash and throw it away when I get out of the water. Originally thought it was plastic from a kayak handle so I picked it up to throw it away but it had little tendrils of what I assume was flesh/cartilage. The (spine, I’m guessing) bone stayed in one piece, very solidly fused together when I picked it up. We have a lot of sea lions, harbor seals, and large sharks in this area if that helps. When I found out it was definitely not trash, I let it go so I don’t have anything to reference but this underwater picture I took on a GoPro. [link] [comments] |
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Tagged with
#autonomous underwater vehicles#bone#San Diego#freediving#trash#sea lions#harbor seals#sharks#plastic#spine#underwater#flesh#cartilage#GoPro#18 inches#marine biology#tendrils#kayak#oceans#solidly fused