mikaylasonnenfeld
Careful where you step
This photo was taken on Carolina Beach on April 13th 2017. The species of jellyfish shown is most likely a mushroom jellyfish, scientific name Rhopilema verrilli. Recently, the amount of jellyfish in North Carolina waters has been increasing. Earlier and earlier in the season, more jellyfish are spotted both in the water and washed up on shore. Also, species of jellyfish previously never seen in North Carolina are being identified and growing in numbers. There are many potential reasons for these observed patterns of increasing population growth. First of all, global warming is thought to be a major contributor. A warmer climate means warmer waters, and thus species of jellyfish that could previously solely exist in tropical waters are able to survive in increasing latitudes. The environmental range of tolerance for many types of jellyfish is increasing, and thus more species are able to thrive in a greater variety of ecosystems.
Also, increased agricultural activity results in high amounts of nutrient rich runoff entering the oceans. These nutrients can spark algal blooms and increase the productivity of phytoplankton. Algae and phytoplankton constitute the main food source for jellyfish, providing another explanation for increased numbers of jellyfish in North Carolina waters. A third reason for increased jellyfish populations could be the removal of their natural predators. Jellyfish have few natural predators to begin with, given their lack of nutritional value, but some creatures do eat them and serve to keep their populations in check. The main predators of jellyfish include sharks and sea turtles, both of which are critically endangered and often killed by humans. Without enough natural predators, jellyfish populations will continue to serge and this could have dire consequences for many ecosystems.
Possible consequences of more jellyfish are numerous. Since jellyfish eat the primary producers of the oceans (phytoplankton), increased numbers of jellyfish may cause a sharp decline in the phytoplankton population, and thus the productivity of our oceans. Phytoplankton support the entire marine food web and without them, community and ecosystem structures would quickly collapse. Besides affecting aquatic organisms, increasing the jellyfish population could also impact human endeavors. Not only do jellyfish sting humans, but their presence in large numbers would lower the recreational value of many coastal locations. Also, growing unchecked, they may outcompete other valuable species for resources and harm the fishing industry. Thus increasing populations of jellyfish can harm natural ecosystems, as well as our economy.
For more information on the topic, please visit the following webpages:
voices.nationalgeographic.com/2014/08/16/animals-jellyfis...
jellyfish.appstate.edu/descriptions
Careful where you step
This photo was taken on Carolina Beach on April 13th 2017. The species of jellyfish shown is most likely a mushroom jellyfish, scientific name Rhopilema verrilli. Recently, the amount of jellyfish in North Carolina waters has been increasing. Earlier and earlier in the season, more jellyfish are spotted both in the water and washed up on shore. Also, species of jellyfish previously never seen in North Carolina are being identified and growing in numbers. There are many potential reasons for these observed patterns of increasing population growth. First of all, global warming is thought to be a major contributor. A warmer climate means warmer waters, and thus species of jellyfish that could previously solely exist in tropical waters are able to survive in increasing latitudes. The environmental range of tolerance for many types of jellyfish is increasing, and thus more species are able to thrive in a greater variety of ecosystems.
Also, increased agricultural activity results in high amounts of nutrient rich runoff entering the oceans. These nutrients can spark algal blooms and increase the productivity of phytoplankton. Algae and phytoplankton constitute the main food source for jellyfish, providing another explanation for increased numbers of jellyfish in North Carolina waters. A third reason for increased jellyfish populations could be the removal of their natural predators. Jellyfish have few natural predators to begin with, given their lack of nutritional value, but some creatures do eat them and serve to keep their populations in check. The main predators of jellyfish include sharks and sea turtles, both of which are critically endangered and often killed by humans. Without enough natural predators, jellyfish populations will continue to serge and this could have dire consequences for many ecosystems.
Possible consequences of more jellyfish are numerous. Since jellyfish eat the primary producers of the oceans (phytoplankton), increased numbers of jellyfish may cause a sharp decline in the phytoplankton population, and thus the productivity of our oceans. Phytoplankton support the entire marine food web and without them, community and ecosystem structures would quickly collapse. Besides affecting aquatic organisms, increasing the jellyfish population could also impact human endeavors. Not only do jellyfish sting humans, but their presence in large numbers would lower the recreational value of many coastal locations. Also, growing unchecked, they may outcompete other valuable species for resources and harm the fishing industry. Thus increasing populations of jellyfish can harm natural ecosystems, as well as our economy.
For more information on the topic, please visit the following webpages:
voices.nationalgeographic.com/2014/08/16/animals-jellyfis...
jellyfish.appstate.edu/descriptions