Press Release: Swarming jellyfish dampening the holiday spirit

Although swarming is a normal part of the lifecycle of jellyfish, this year’s frequency and extent is unusual. Alarmingly, it points to underlying changes in Europe’s marine ecosystems resulting from a combination of climate change, nutrient enrichment, tourism and fishing. Fishing has indirectly helped jellyfish to thrive. As larger fish are removed from the food chain, jellyfish face less competition for their own food. Also, climate change has brought warmer seawater and increased salinity, improving conditions for jellyfish growth. And inputs of nutrients into the sea from industry, households, and agriculture have increased the plankton population on which jellyfish feed.

• Primary Source

EEA: Press Release, 17.8.06: Algal blooms disrupt holidaymakers across Europe http://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/swarming-jellyfish-dampening-the-holiday-spirit

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