Marine Life & Conservation
Marine Conservation Society’s report shows increase in jellyfish sightings on UK and Irish shores
![jellyfish](https://www.scubaverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Jonathan-Smith-By-the-Wind-Sailor.jpg)
The Marine Conservation Society has released its annual Wildlife Sightings report, marking World Jellyfish Day on Friday 3rd November.
The charity’s wildlife sightings project focusses on gathering reports of jellyfish and marine turtles, which feed on jellyfish. These two marine animals are both vital in supporting ocean biodiversity and are indicators of changes in our ocean over time, like warming waters. The charity’s report provides a detailed breakdown of the species observed, revealing the diversity of jellyfish in UK and Irish waters.
This year’s report (covering 1st October 2022 to 30th September 2023) shows a 32% increase in jellyfish sightings compared to the previous year.
Jellyfish can be spotted year-round in UK and Irish seas, but larger blooms are more likely to appear in spring, lasting through until autumn. The Marine Conservation Society’s report shows 75% of sightings were of individuals (1-20), whilst 11% of sightings were of large blooms of over 100 individuals, an increase of 57% from last year.
Research has suggested that an increase in some jellyfish numbers around UK could be related to climate change, however, currently there isn’t enough evidence to make this link. The Marine Conservation Society’s Wildlife Sightings programme aims to collect long term data which can be used as a reference to study the reality of jellyfish trends in UK waters.
Dr Peter Richardson, Head of Ocean Recovery at the Marine Conservation Society, said, “Jellyfish populations are highly variable year on year, and depend on several environmental factors that are different each year, such as sea temperatures and storms. Numbers of sightings we receive can also depend on the awareness of our sightings programme and the ‘wow factor’ of jellyfish people encounter.
“This year seems to have been a particularly good year for barrel jellyfish – one of our chunkiest jellyfish species that can occur in mind-boggling numbers when conditions are favourable. It’s only by observing trends over many years that we can start to suggest reasons for change.”
The most frequently reported species during the reporting period was the barrel jellyfish, which accounted for almost 27% of total sightings (467). This is an increase of 21% compared to the previous year’s results, when it was the sixth most-spotted species. Barrel jellyfish are sometimes called ‘dustbin lid jellyfish’ due to their large size – they can grow up to one metre in diameter. They have a solid, spherical, rubbery-looking bell which can be white, pale pink, blue or yellow. Rather than tentacles, barrel jellyfish have eight thick, frilled arms.
The report features other intriguing jellyfish-like species, including crystal and comb jellies, and sea gooseberries, which made up 10% of the total sightings this year. Crystal jellyfish were the most reported ‘other’ species, accounting for 3.2% of all sightings.
The Marine Conservation Society also records reports of marine turtles, which feed on jellyfish. The charity’s volunteers submitted 12 reports of marine turtle sightings this year, four of which were live leatherbacks. Turtle sightings contribute to a national database.
Six of the world’s seven marine turtle species have been spotted in UK and Irish seas. The leatherback turtle is most likely to be spotted feeding on our jellyfish during the summer months., while stray juvenile loggerheads are usually encountered washed up in winter. The leatherback, which is the largest sea turtle, and loggerheads are considered to be of ‘vulnerable’ conservation status. Reporting sightings of these incredible creatures will support the Marine Conservation Society and others in understanding their movements, potential threats and how better to protect them through policies and conservation strategies.
Other turtle species are swept into UK and Irish seas by strong winds and currents, though more suited to warmer waters. The charity’s Turtle Code provides advice on what to do if a beached turtle is found.
Justine Millard, Head of Volunteering and Citizen Science at the Marine Conservation Society, said, “The data on jellyfish and turtles that volunteers submit plays a vital role in understanding the changes occurring in our marine ecosystems, and help us to protect our seas. We urge anyone who has spotted a jellyfish or turtle to report it to us to continue to build a picture of our seas and the incredible life within them. A huge thanks to all the volunteers who have submitted data to us this past year.”
The Marine Conservation Society uses wildlife sightings by citizen scientists to:
- Discover how jellyfish and turtle populations are changing around the UK – specifically when and where they are occurring each year
- Investigate trends in turtle sightings to find out more about how they use our waters
- Explore whether jellyfish distribution can tell us more about where leatherback turtle feeding grounds may be
For more information on how to identify jellyfish and turtles, and to report a sighting, please visit the Marine Conservation Society’s website: www.mcsuk.org/sightings.
Marine Life & Conservation
Reef-World launch new toolkit in response to the current global coral bleaching event
![coral bleaching](https://www.scubaverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/GF-Global-Coral-Bleaching-Toolkit.png)
The Reef-World Foundation – international coordinator of the UN Environment Programme’s Green Fins initiative – has launched a new coral bleaching toolkit in response to the 4th global coral bleaching event confirmed by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) in April 2024.
The Green Fins Global Coral Bleaching Response Toolkit provides guidance to the marine tourism industry on how they can help manage and monitor the impacts of coral bleaching and get involved in recovery efforts. It features information about coral bleaching, including the causes, impacts and response strategies. The toolkit is compiled from a variety of readily available resources from multiple organizations and initiatives, such as ICRI, Coral Reef Alliance, Reef Check and NOAA, along with Green Fins materials, to ensure it is accessible to everyone. These resources cover methods for reducing local impacts, monitoring the reefs and engaging tourists and local communities.
The El Niño phenomenon has been present since February 2023, which has led to persistently warmer temperatures being experienced around the world and has affected the sea surface temperatures. Coral bleaching has been recorded in all ocean regions ever since. While this event is widespread and serious, there is still hope as bleached corals are not dead corals. Corals can survive bleaching events and thrive if they are given the time to adapt to the changing climate.
“Coral reefs are under a huge amount of stress every day and that reduces their chance of recovery from bleaching events,” said Chloe Harvey, Executive Director at The Reef-World Foundation. “However, this time around the scientists have been watching the data closely, so we’re prepared. We understand what it means and we know what we need to do to respond to it. This global event calls for global action to protect these vital ecosystems for generations to come.”
By equipping the industry with the necessary knowledge and tools, Reef-World hopes to empower these key stakeholders to play a crucial role in preserving the health and resilience of our precious coral reef ecosystems. Reef-World believes that with the right resources, the marine tourism industry can be a driving force in the fight against coral bleaching and contribute significantly to the long-term sustainability of marine environments.
With this momentum, other key players in the industry, such as PADI AWARE Foundation and NOAA, have gotten on board the campaign for more citizen scientists to help out in monitoring coral bleaching. With the toolkit available to all, The Reef-World Foundation is looking forward to more collaborative actions in the industry.
Explore the toolkit on Green Fins’ website: greenfins.net/coral-bleaching
Marine Life & Conservation
The Ocean Cleanup making San Francisco port call in September
![the ocean cleanup](https://www.scubaverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1-1.jpg)
A real solution for an environmental catastrophe is in reach
Six years after setting sail for the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP), we have developed the cleanup technology to relegate the patch to the history books.
On 6 September 2024, The Ocean Cleanup will return to San Francisco, where founder and CEO Boyan Slat will provide an update in which he will announce what is needed in terms of time, money and efforts to eradicate the GPGP.
To confirm your presence, please RSVP to press@theoceancleanup.com
PROGRAM
- Press conference: CEO and founder Boyan Slat will announce the next phase of the cleanup of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch
- Interviews: opportunities to interview Boyan Slat (CEO & founder), Joël Jansen (Director of Oceans), Arjen Tjallema (Director of Technology) and Matthias Egger (Director of Environmental and Social Affairs)
- Vessels & technology: visit our two iconic ships, take a look at extraction System 03 and see the extracted plastic up-close and personal*
*Limited availability; RSVP soon to press@theoceancleanup.com
PRACTICALITIES
Date: September 6, 2024
Press conference: 12 pm (noon) / doors open 11.30 am
Location: The Exploratorium (Google Maps)
Pier 15 (Embarcadero at Green Street), San Francisco, CA
Parking: Visit The Exploratorium’s website for details
RSVP: press@theoceancleanup.com
Press kit: a press kit will be shared afterwards
To find out more about the Ocean Cleanup, visit www.theoceancleanup.com.
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