Giant jellyfish spotted by divers – BBC News
Divers have swum with a huge barrel jellyfish off the coast of Cornwall.
Lizzie Daly, a biologist with Wild Ocean Week, said the creature was as big as her body.
It is the largest species of jellyfish which is found in British waters, with the average diameter being about 40cm (16 inches).
What factors are believed to have caused a surge in the number of these giant jellyfish in recent years?
Recently, divers in the waters surrounding the United Kingdom have spotted unusual and striking creatures – giant jellyfish. Measuring up to 3 meters in length, these deep-sea giants have caused amazement and interest among the diving community and beyond.
It’s not uncommon to spot jellyfish while diving, but these giants are truly a sight to behold. They belong to the species Cyanea capillata, also known as the lion’s mane jellyfish, and can have tentacles up to 30 meters long. Despite their intimidating size, they are not considered a major threat to humans, as their stinging cells are not powerful enough to cause significant harm.
However, that’s not to say these jellyfish should be approached carelessly. Divers report feeling a mild electric shock-like sensation when in close proximity to the creatures, and contact with the tentacles can cause skin irritation and discomfort.
The appearance of these giant jellyfish is not entirely surprising. It is believed that warming waters due to climate change and overfishing of their natural predators have caused a surge in their numbers. As jellyfish rely on plankton as their primary food source, changes in oceanic temperature and currents can have a significant impact on their population, often resulting in large blooms.
While the sight of these giant jellyfish is awe-inspiring, their potential impact on marine ecosystems is a cause for concern. Their large numbers can deplete the plankton population, effectively starving other species that rely on it for survival. Additionally, they pose a threat to commercial fishing operations, as their tentacles can become entangled in nets, causing damage and lost catch.
The appearance of giant jellyfish serves as a reminder of the impact that climate change and human activities have on our oceans. It is important to take action to preserve marine ecosystems and protect the delicate balance of life within them. With awareness and responsibility, maybe we can help these magnificent creatures thrive in their natural habitat.
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