News reports last week about scuba divers off San Diego being menaced by large numbers of Humboldt's or jumbo squid have raised the ire of University of Rhode Island biologist Brad Seibel.

Researchers say the elevated carbon dioxide levels expected to be found in the world's oceans by 2100 will likely lead to physiological impairments of jumbo (or Humboldt) squid.

Experts said the hundreds of Humboldt squid that have washed up on Oregon beaches during the past few days died because they ventured too far north for food.

Jumbo squid that can grow up to 7 feet long and weigh more than 110 pounds is invading central California waters and preying on local anchovy, hake and other commercial fish populations, according to a study published Tuesday.

By Levy, Sharon New research is reviving interest in the work of Edward F. Ricketts, a maverick marine biologist immortalized in the writings of John Steinbeck, who foresaw the impacts of overfishing in the Pacific more than 75 years ago.