The picture of a giant squid lying lifeless on a California shore that went viral is a fake. The image spread across social media sites shortly after it was posted online with a report describing the squid's origin. The article posted along with the picture claims that the squid grew uncontrollably after it was exposed to the radiation from the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant.
Although content from the "Lightly Braised Turnip" website are obviously not meant to be taken seriously, the image and the report spread on several social media sites, including Twitter and Facebook. However, the image was obviously edited.
On March 11, 2011, Japan's Fukushima Daini Nuclear Power Plant was severely damaged by an earthquake and the tsunami that soon followed. As a result, radioactive material escaped from the plant and spread throughout the surrounding area. Despite the fact that a portion of the radioactive material likely reached the Pacific Ocean, the extent of the damage it caused remains unknown.
Radioactive material is a major concern that needs attention, as it has the potential to disrupt the world's ecosystem and affect personal health. The satirical website made use of that fear along with the recent discovery of an oarfish near the California coast.
The website's first blunder was exaggerating the size of the oarfish to unbelievable heights. Although the fish was genuinely rare, it was nowhere near the 100 feet they suggested it measured.
According to CBS News, the oarfish was actually only 20 feet long, which is within the normal size range for the fish.
In the article posted by the site, the giant squid is reported to reach up to 160 feet long. Genetic mutation due to radioactive material exposure is blamed for the creature's incredible size, which has been called "radioactive gigantism." The article also cited several scientists who "verify the possibility."
One "expert" suggests that there is a possibility of "tuna fish that could feed a city the size of Austin, Texas." Another scientist discusses the possibility of sharks becoming "the size of a Manhattan skyscraper."
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