The number of jellyfish spotted in UK waters and on beaches has risen by 32% in the past year, according to a Marine Conservation Society survey. The most reported jellyfish species was the barrel jellyfish, but rarer warm-water crystal jellyfish were also seen. Climate change is creating favourable conditions for jellyfish as warming seas lead to natural population increases. A marine heatwave in June increased UK water temperatures by around 3 to 4 degrees Celsius.
From October 2022 to September 2023, jellyfish sightings increased by 32% compared with the previous year, mostly along the UK’s west coasts, particularly in Cornwall and Wales. Most of the sightings were of the barrel, or “dustbin-lid,” jellyfish which can grow up to more than 3ft (1m) in diameter and has eight thick frilled arms. Other species such as Lion’s mane, Portuguese man o’ war, moon and compass jellyfish have also increased in abundance.
Dr Abigail McQuatters-Gollop, a plankton expert at the University of Plymouth stated there is an abundance of jellyfish this year. She went diving every day in August and said she had never seen so many jellyfish, including the crystal jellyfish which she had never seen in the UK before. This creature normally lives in warmer waters but the hot weather in June created favourable marine conditions for it to thrive in the UK, indicating as climate change happens, a tropicalisation of the oceans may occur.
Experts predict that the warmer UK seas will alter the country’s fish stocks as the food that feeds fish like cod will change and many marine species will move their range northwards over time as waters warm. The Marine Conservation Society’s annual wildlife-sightings report is based on members of the public using an online form or app. The Society has been asking the public to report jellyfish sightings for 20 years. However, Dr Peter Richardson warns that “there are very few surveys out there that show what’s happening
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