Thousands of ‘fried egg’ jellyfish have recently swarmed the beaches of Mar Menor, creating significant disruptions for locals and tourists in the middle of high season. These jellyfish, also known as Cotylorhiza tuberculata, have been particularly prevalent in areas like Los Urrutias, Punta Brava, and Santiago de la Ribera. The jellyfish likely brought in by the Levante winds.
While these jellyfish are not considered dangerous, their presence is causing considerable discomfort for swimmers. Authorities advise against bathing to avoid potential stings.
Residents’ concerns
Local residents have reported a massive influx of these jellyfish, complicating their beach activities. “There have been many days of Levante wind, which has stirred the sea. Today, for example, around 2.45 pm, a huge number suddenly appeared,” a local resident explained. Carol Riviere from the platform ‘For a Living Mar Menor’ corroborated these accounts, noting significant jellyfish presence in Santiago de la Ribera and alarming photos from Los Urrutias showing numerous jellyfish both onshore and in the water.
Expert insights
Óscar Esparza, coordinator of marine protected areas at WWF, stated that this jellyfish proliferation is not necessarily a cause for alarm. He attributed the increase to two main factors: overfishing, which reduces the number of jellyfish predators, and rising water temperatures and transparency. Esparza emphasised the need for a deeper understanding of the ecosystem to address the root causes of such proliferations effectively.
Anti-jellyfish measures
In response to the jellyfish surge, the Consejería de Medio Ambiente y Mar Menor has reinstalled anti-jellyfish nets in beaches like San Pedro del Pinatar and the northern area of La Manga after a two-year hiatus. However, the sheer number of jellyfish has reportedly damaged some of these nets. Esparza expressed skepticism about the long-term effectiveness of the nets, advocating instead for a comprehensive approach to understanding and mitigating the ecological factors behind the jellyfish blooms.
Current jellyfish census
Despite the current influx, the latest report from the Community indicates that the number of jellyfish this summer is lower than last year. As of 15 July, the census recorded over 82,673 ‘fried egg’ jellyfish, predominantly concentrated in the northern basin of the saline lagoon. Residents and authorities continue to monitor the situation.
Also read: Millions of fried egg jellyfish born in Mar Menor