There is a theory that electromagnetic noise associated with faults about to rupture
can disrupt the sensitive navigation systems of many marine and aerial fauna. There
are many accounts of such beachings prior to large earthquakes, which may be just
anecdotal, but may also reflect some true precursory phenomena. It has been some
time since a strong quake off the coast of Honshu, so it is possible that one could
occur soon. (In fact, there was a Mb 4.6 in the general area of that beaching
this evening (Tokyo time)).