How winter conditions shape future jellyfish blooms

Article excerpt

Marine scientists at the University of Chester have discovered that environmental conditions experienced by jellyfish before winter can have lasting effects on the size and intensity of jellyfish blooms many months later. The study focused on the moon jellyfish, Aurelia aurita, one of the most common jellyfish species found in coastal waters throughout Europe. While the spectacular blooms of adult jellyfish are familiar to many beachgoers, far less is known about the tiny benthic polyp stage that lies hidden beneath the surface.