Jellyfication

Fear the Jellyfication!

We have chosen an increasingly relevant and still relatively unknown ecological problem surrounding tentacled, invertebrate, and sometimes beautiful animals as the theme for this collection.

Here are the most important facts about jellyfication:

1. Definition and Mechanism

Increase in jellyfish biomass due to rising sea temperatures and pollution (Morais et al., 2019; Goldstein and Steiner, 2020).

2. Adaptability of jellyfish

Jellyfish are highly adaptable and thrive in a variety of environmental conditions, reproducing rapidly under favorable circumstances. They flourish in human-induced environments that make it difficult for other animals to survive (Purcell, Uye and Lo, 2007).

3. Human influence

Overfishing and pollution reduce predator populations and create nutrient-rich, oxygen-depleted zones that encourage veritable explosions of jellyfish populations (Goldstein and Steiner, 2020).

4. Ecological consequences

Large quantities of jellyfish biomass consume incredible amounts of fish larvae and dominate in oxygen-depleted environments, disrupting marine ecosystems and biodiversity (Richardson et al., 2009).

5. Socioeconomic impacts

Jellyfish blooms negatively impact fishing, tourism, and energy production, leading to economic disruption and community impacts (Richardson et al., 2009; Morais et al., 2019).

Did you know about this? Humans are creating a veritable jellyfish paradise through warming, pollution, and ocean acidification, while making it increasingly difficult for native species to survive. As so often happens, it's up to us – your impact matters.