Bat rays swim next to Scripps Pier this morning in this photo by the Scripps Oceanography Communications office.
Rays are common in the water off La Jolla, but have rarely been as visible as this week, just beyond the surf line. Scripps Oceanography researchers say its not clear why the rays are so abundant or whether there is any connection to this week's record sea-surface temperature readings. On Aug. 9, a new record was set as the Shore Stations Program at Scripps reported a sea-surface temperature of 79.5°F (26.4°C) at the pier.
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