Gelatinous Ocean
This web page was
created in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the BS degree in Biology
at FIU in the class BSC4931.
Abstract
Jellyfishes have become more
abundant in the ocean over recent decades. Jellyfish blooms seem to be related
to human induced stresses like overfishing, habitat modification,
eutrophication, and climate change. The combination of these factors act
synergistically to create a habitat that is more favorable for jellyfishes.
Global climate change accelerates jellyfish growth, eutrophication leads to
jellyfish outbreak, removing their competitors due overfishing makes them more
successful, and transporting them to other places enhances their chances of
colonization of new areas. Jellyfish are important components of oceanic
environments, and can influence community composition by their increase.
Eventhough aggregations of jellyfish are considered normal and a component of a
natural and healthy environment, an increase in frequency of jellyfish has been
observed. Direct management action is needed in order to prevent a large-scale
alteration of more pelagic systems throughout the worldÕs oceans. Research is
crucial on jellyfish ecology and their life cycles, as well as control over
eutrophication and ballast water transportation.
Popular Press
Scientific Papers
Anthony J. Richardson, Andrew
Bakun, Graeme C. Hayas (2009). The jellyfish joyride: causes, consequences
and management responses to a more gelatinous future
Claudia E. Mills (2001),
Hydrobiologia. Jellyfish blooms: are populations increasing globally in
response to changing ocean conditions?
W. M. Graham (2001).
Hydrobiologia. Numerical increases and distributional shift of Chrysaora
quinquecrirrha (Desor) and Aurelia
aurita (Linne) (Cnidaria:
Scyphozoa) in the northern Gulf of Mexico