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From Highland cows to red deer, Britain is home to some of the world’s most magnificent animals.
Now, a report has revealed the influx of a somewhat unexpected creature onto British shores – a jellyfish.
The report, released by the Marine Conservation Society, shows a whopping 32 percent increase in jellyfish sightings this year compared to last year.
Experts believe the increase in sightings could be linked to climate change, as jellyfish are attracted to warmer waters.
Dr Peter Richardson, Head of Ocean Restoration at the Marine Conservation Society, said: “Jellyfish numbers vary greatly year to year, and depend on many environmental factors that vary every year, such as sea temperatures and storms.
From Highland cows to red deer, Britain is home to some of the world’s most magnificent animals. Now, a report has revealed the influx of a somewhat unexpected creature onto British shores – a jellyfish. Pictured: Barrel jellyfish
While jellyfish can be seen in the seas of the UK and Ireland all year round, the larger blooms tend to appear in the spring and continue into the autumn.
While jellyfish can be seen in the British and Irish seas all year round, the larger flowers tend to appear in the spring and continue into the autumn.
The report shows that 75% of sightings were of individual jellyfish, while 11% were of large groups of more than 100 creatures, an increase of 57% from last year.
“The numbers of sightings we receive can also depend on awareness of our sightings program and the ‘wow factor’ people experience of jellyfish,” Dr Richardson added.
In terms of species, the barrel jellyfish – often referred to as the “trash can lid jellyfish” due to its large size – topped the list, accounting for 27% of all sightings.
This represents an increase of 21 percent compared to last year.
“This year appears to have been a particularly good year for barrel jellyfish – one of our largest jellyfish species which can be present in astonishing numbers when conditions are right,” Dr Richardson said.
The lion’s mane (pictured) (17.7 percent) was the next species sighted, followed by moon (17 percent), compass (13 percent), blue (10.1 percent) and Portuguese man-of-war (3.6 percent).
The report shows that 75 per cent of sightings were of individual jellyfish, while 11 per cent were of large groups of more than 100 creatures – an increase of 57 per cent on last year.
Lion’s Mane (17.7 percent) was the next species sighted, followed by Moon (17 percent), Compass (13 percent), Blue (10.1 percent), and Portuguese Man o’ War (3.6 percent).
Meanwhile, other “interesting” jellyfish-like species included crystal jellies, comb jellies and sea gooseberries.
While the reason for the increase in numbers is still unclear, the team hopes that future observations will help unravel the mystery.
Dr Richardson added: ‘Only by observing trends over many years can we begin to suggest reasons for the change.’
Aside from jellyfish, the Marine Conservation Society records the number of sea turtles – which feed on jellyfish – seen in British and Irish waters.
In total, 12 sea turtles were seen this year, including four leatherbacks and seven loggerheads.
“Data on jellyfish and turtles provided by volunteers plays a vital role in understanding the changes happening in our marine ecosystems, and helps us protect our seas,” said Justine Millard, Head of Volunteering and Citizen Science at the Marine Conservation Society.
“We urge anyone who has seen a jellyfish or turtle to report it to us to continue building a picture of our seas and the amazing life within them.”
Aside from jellyfish, the Marine Conservation Society records the number of sea turtles – which feed on jellyfish – seen in British and Irish waters. Twelve sea turtles were seen this year, including four leatherbacks and seven loggerheads.
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