On the shores of Mobile Bay, Alabama, a curious thing takes place between June and September. All at once, many species of eel, fish, crab, and shrimp will swim from deeper waters and swarm to the shallower coastal area of the bay. It's speculated that this occurs when rapid depletion of oxygen in the waters of the bay drives the sea life to seek areas less affected by the oxygen shortage. The lethargic nature of the animals and the sheer number of them during these occurrences attracts large crowds with the promise of easy to catch seafood. Jubilees most often occur in certain conditions. They tend to happen in August, commonly on the upper eastern shore of the bay, just before dawn, with an incoming tide and an easterly wind. The coastline where jubilees frequently take place is densely populated, so when someone should spot one, they alert their neighbours so everyone can rush to the shore and gather a harvest of seafood. The event is somewhat akin to a community beach party. Some beach party for all the fish and crabs desperate to survive.
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