The azure waters of Malta have been known for their diverse marine life, attracting tourists and marine enthusiasts from all over the world. However, recently, there has been a significant surge in the population of the fried egg jellyfish in the region. This upsurge, typically observed around the lampuki season starting on August 15th, has raised concerns among marine biologists and environmentalists.
Global trends indicate an overall increase in jellyfish sightings, a phenomenon that is largely attributed to climate change and overfishing. Sea temperatures are rising due to human-induced climate change, providing an ideal environment for jellyfish to thrive. Overfishing, on the other hand, reduces the population of jellyfish predators, thereby enabling their numbers to flourish. Both these factors disrupt the ecological balance of marine ecosystems, in many cases favoring species like jellyfish.
Marine biologists firmly link the rise in jellyfish blooms to human activities that interfere with marine ecosystems. According to Alan Deidun, a renowned marine biologist, the summer invasion of non-venomous fried egg jellyfish in Malta can be traced back to high sea temperatures and an increase in sea nutrients. The situation in Malta, where the sea temperatures surpassed 30°C in August due to a prolonged heatwave, only exacerbated this trend. Additionally, increases in sea nutrients from aquaculture activity and treated sewage have contributed to the jellyfish bloom by accelerating their spawning and development and providing a larger food supply.
The substantial population growth of fried egg jellyfish in Malta’s waters may have far-reaching implications. It could adversely affect tourism, a crucial component of Malta’s economy, as the sight of these jellyfish might dissuade tourists from partaking in water-based activities. Furthermore, the proliferation of these jellyfish could disrupt local ecosystems, impacting the food chain and overall health of marine life, including popular fish species like lampuki.
Despite their large size, fried egg jellyfish are generally harmless to humans. However, their competition for plankton with various fish species could threaten the balance of the marine ecosystem.
Experts are advocating for more research to comprehend and mitigate the effects of jellyfish blooms as they continue to populate Malta’s waters. This situation underscores the urgent need to tackle global issues like climate change and overfishing. It is clear that human activities have a direct impact on the health of our planet, and it’s high time we take responsibility for our actions and strive towards sustainable living for the sake of our marine ecosystems and the very existence of our planet.
