Scientists are sounding the alarm. An invasion of jellyfish has been observed in the Baltic Sea
High temperatures are an ideal environment for the development of jellyfish, which can be observed, for example, in the Baltic Sea. A large bloom of representatives of the species has been observed around Eckernförde Bay and although they are not harmful to humans, they can lead to ecological imbalance.
According to thelocal.de, an unprecedented number of jellyfish drifting in the Baltic Sea have been reported by oceanographers. “Three weeks ago, we recorded a very dense bloom of blue weed, festoon rayon and rib oysters around Eckernförde Bay,” said Cornelia Jaspers from the Geomar Helmholtz Center in Kiel in an interview with the aforementioned portal. According to the expert, the reasons for this state of affairs should be sought in the unusual movements of sea currents during last winter. Relatively high temperatures during the winter months may also have contributed to the jellyfish bloom. According to experts’ calculations, the water was about five degrees Celsius, which is two degrees higher than the average for the last 40 years.
Jasper also pointed out that a lot of salty water flowed into the south-western part of the Baltic Sea from the North Sea and the Kattegat. “This has led to a strong bloom of rib oysters, which are particularly comfortable in salt water,” explained the oceanographer. And although most of the jellyfish living in the Baltic Sea do not pose a threat to human health and life, their presence can lead to a disturbance of the ecological balance. Experts point out in particular that the representatives of the species are predators that feed on zooplankton, i.e. fish food, and their numerous presence can lead to a decrease in water oxygenation.
