Mermaid Spotted in Ocean Beach

One of the biggest hits of the September 16 Surfrider Paddle for Clean Water event in Ocean Beach was a mermaid sighting.

Mermaid Shelly hails from Carlsbad, where she has a business named Shell Tails Labs. Since 2011, she has created hand-painted mermaid tails made of neoprene and silicone.

Mermaid Shelly is a big proponent of protecting marine environments and is a frequent visitor to beachside events. Her popularity with tourists, children, and curious men make her a big draw along the shoreline, where she lolls around in the sand, wiggling her tail, and reminding people to be "kind to the ocean."