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28 October 2014

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Compass Jellyfish lose their bearings

Compass Jellyfish are swarming around the South West coast
Photos: MarLIN

Hurricane Alex is being blamed for washing ashore thousands of Compass Jellyfish in the South West.

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FACTS

Compass jellyfish are also known as Chrysaora hysoscella.

They're the staple diet for the endangered leatherback turtle.

Their long trailing tentacle can inflict a nasty sting.

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Thousands of Compass Jellyfish have been washed up on Devon and Cornwall's beaches this week.

Marine experts believe the jellyfish - which can sting if touched - have been caught up in the rough seas caused by Hurricane Alex.

They have been spotted on beaches on the north and south coasts of Devon and Cornwall, and they are also out in our coastal waters.

The presence of so many compass jellyfish is good news for the region's leatherback turtle.

The endangered turtles rely on the jellyfish as their staple diet, and it's hoped more will be seen off our coast as a result of the influx.

Jellyfish washed ashore at Cawsands, just south of Plymouth

Yachtsmen and boat owners have reported seeing hundreds and thousands of the jellyfish, which have brown lines on their bell and are distinctive for their long trailing tentacles.

The jellyfish move by pulsing their bell, but that leaves them vulnerable to water currents and can mean they get caught up in their droves - as has happened in this case.

The Plymouth-based Marine Biological Association and the Marine Conservation Society are carrying out research into marine life and are keen to hear about sightings.

Guy Baker, of the MBA's MarLIN information network initiative said: "They've been seen in their thousands all around the Devon and Cornwall coast.

"There were lots at Cawsand Beach on Tuesday, and we've had some at Wembury Beach. But they seem to be everywhere.

"They're a common sight in our waters, but it's the sheer number of them that's so unusual and we're assuming it may be because they've drifted in with Hurricane Alex.

"That would explain why so many looked damaged and beaten up."

The advice to the public is not to touch them if they find the jellyfish washed up on the beach, and for swimmers to take care because the tentacles can inflict a painful sting.

Sightings can be reported to MarLIN on 01752 255026 and to the Marine Conservation Society on 01989 566017.

Article published: 12th August 2004