Malta contributing to Mediterranean jellyfish research

While jellyfish and jelly-like invertebrate species are a natural feature of the Mediterranean Sea, “jelly blooms” were rare episodes until the last eight years, when massive swarms of gelatinous organisms became a frequent sight in coastal waters.

Such events represent a nuisance for swimmers, and in the case of certain species may become a real health hazard. They are considered a pest by fishermen, as they clog nets, keep away fish and consume fish larvae.  In recent years, a number of industrial marine cooling systems had to be put temporarily out of order as jellies clogged the underwater pipes.

The resulting socio-economic impacts – both direct (tourism) and indirect (coastal development, fisheries) – are thus tangible. From an ecosystem perspective, the apparent increase and synchrony of jellyfish outbreaks in both western and eastern Mediterranean basins are sending warning signals of a potential phase shift from a fish to a “gelatinous sea". 

Although overfishing, coastal habitat degradation and climate warming are amongst the most probable drivers, the specific causes and mechanisms are not well identified, and the lack of reference data makes any further investigation difficult.

The CIESM Jelly Watch Program is a concept developed by Dr Ferdinando Boero, was set up in 2009 to gather for the first time baseline data on the frequency and extent of jellyfish outbreaks across the Mediterranean Sea.

Dr Adriana Vella, PhD, of the University of Malta has been involved in assisting jellyfish research for a number of years now and is the focal point for the international research programme on the Maltese Islands. She has also been involved with local awareness through the press and organising public seminars on biodiversity including jellyfish through BICREF’s voluntary work.

CIESM was created early in the last century to promote international research in the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea.  CIESM acts as a focus for the exchange of ideas, the communication of scientific information and the development of scientific standards across the Basin. Gained knowledge may allow Mediterranean countries deal with current conditions and problems.