I walk the Algodones beach (rock-to-rock) most mornings and this morning there were 17 Humboldt Squid on the beach. Most of the squid (14) were in front of Playa Blanca. The birds were having a feast. I suspect that the squid were attracted to the Playa Blanca security lights and/or fish were attracted to the lights which attracted the squid. Regardless, the squid got caught high and dry on the beach in a fast receding tide. Or?
From what I've seen reported on Discovery Channel and elsewhere is that after breeding some or all of the animals die, and then in turn some get washed up on shore. Probably the remaining squid that are weakened get eaten by their own before showing up somewhere, they are VERY aggresive along those lines.....