Scientists Find The ‘upside-down Jellyfish’ In Aguadulce – First Recorded In Andalucia

A tropical jellyfish type has been officially identified successful nan larboard of Aguadulce (Roquetas de Mar, Almeria), marking nan first recorded beingness of Cassiopea andromeda successful Andalucian waters and nan westernmost constituent of its known scope successful nan Mediterranean.

A uncommon tropical presence confirmed successful Almeria

Marine researchers from Spain’s Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC), moving pinch nan section dive centre Aquatours Almeria done nan citizen-science level Observadores del Mar, person confirmed nan beingness of Cassiopea andromeda, commonly known arsenic nan upside-down jellyfish, successful nan larboard of Aguadulce.

The find follows 15 months of monitoring and familial analyses of 12 samples, confirming nan species’ personality beyond doubt. The charismatic confirmation, published successful nan diary Environmental Management, represents nan first verified grounds successful Andalucian marine waters. It is besides nan westernmost uncovering of this type successful nan full Mediterranean and a imaginable parameter of tropical type description linked to warming seas.

The jellyfish – typically recovered successful nan Indo-Pacific – was first reported by section divers who noticed its unique upside-down posture connected nan seabed.

What does it mean for nan Levante coast

Authorities from nan Junta de Andalucia accent that nan type presently appears confined to nan larboard area, wherever bathing is already prohibited, and poses nary contiguous nationalist risk. However, scientists are keeping a adjacent watch connected its imaginable to dispersed on adjacent coasts.

Unlike different jellyfish, Cassiopea andromeda releases microscopic stinging cells called cassiosomes, which tin float successful nan h2o and origin mild tegument irritation moreover without nonstop contact. For now, stings are considered mean and uncommon, but experts counsel be aware erstwhile handling aliases swimming adjacent akin species.

The uncovering besides highlights really warmer oversea temperatures and larboard environments tin support tropical newcomers – a shape seen crossed nan Mediterranean arsenic non-native type migrate done nan Suez Canal (known arsenic Lessepsian migration) aliases get accidentally via nan aquarium trade.

What you should cognize earlier dipping your toes 

Residents and divers who spot different jellyfish are encouraged to study sightings done Observadores del Mar, Spain’s citizen-science web tally by ICM-CSIC.
Key recommendations include:

• Do not touch aliases cod jellyfish recovered successful larboard aliases formation areas.
• Photograph from a region for technological identification.
• Report location and day done charismatic channels aliases section authorities.
• In lawsuit of stings: rinse pinch seawater, debar freshwater aliases alcohol, and use power aliases vinegar pursuing section lifeguard guidance.
  

Marine monitoring successful Almeria

ICM-CSIC researchers will proceed monitoring nan Aguadulce organization complete nan coming twelvemonth to find whether it remains confined aliases originates to spread. The Junta de Andalucia has confirmed that biology agencies will collaborate pinch section dive centres and larboard authorities to forestall unintentional relocation of marine organisms betwixt harbours.

The lawsuit besides underscores nan increasing domiciled of national subject successful Spain’s coastal monitoring – mean divers and snorkellers now play a cardinal portion successful spotting changes linked to ambiance and biodiversity shifts.

Read much news from Almeria here.