JELLYFISH SURGE

AN annual survey of jellyfish has found an increase in the number of species spotted in the UK and Ireland.

The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) asked members of the public to report any jellyfish and sea turtle sightings in and around the UK and Ireland from October 2021 until the end of September 2022. Usually eight species of jellyfish can be found in British and Irish waters, but this year 11 species were recorded, with some unusual visitors spotted too. Strong storms are believed to have blown species like the Portuguese man o’war into shallower waters. This species, which technically isn’t a jellyfish, prefers to live in deeper waters. Crystal jellyfish, which are usually found in the Pacific Ocean, were also seen by wildlife spotters. Experts believe their arrival may be due to the rise in sea temperatures.

The most commonly spotted jellyfish in the UK and Ireland was the compass jellyfish (pictured), making up 23.3% of all sightings, closely followed by the moon jellyfish on 23%.

The annual jellyfish count for 2022/2023 has now begun and you can record any jellyfish or turtle sightings at www.mcsuk.org.