Migrant Jellyfish Spotted in Rhodes as Sea Temperatures Rise
Migratory Jellyfish from the Red Sea Detected in Rhodes
The Rhodes Submarine Station Marine Research Center (ENYDRIO) of Greece recently reported the detection of migratory jellyfish, a species originating from the Red Sea, in the Trianton Bay of Rhodes. This discovery has been attributed to the global rise in temperatures, resulting in increased sea temperatures and the expansion of this jellyfish species into new territories.
Typically, the sea water temperature in Rhodes during this time of year is around 16 degrees Celsius. However, this year, temperatures have risen to 19 degrees Celsius, creating a more favorable environment for the proliferation of migratory jellyfish. The statement also highlighted a decrease in the population of sea turtles, which are natural predators of jellyfish, as a contributing factor to the increase in jellyfish numbers.
Migratory jellyfish, known for reaching sizes of up to 1 meter in diameter, have been entering the Mediterranean Sea from the tropical waters of the Indian and Pacific oceans through the Suez Canal since the 1970s. These jellyfish are infamous for causing intense pain and itching upon contact with human skin.
As climate change continues to impact marine ecosystems, the presence of migratory jellyfish serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of global environmental changes. Efforts to monitor and understand the movements of these jellyfish species will be crucial in mitigating potential risks to both marine biodiversity and human activities in affected regions.
