Enormous Jellyfish Swarms Fill Waters & Beaches In Kerala State, Key Indian Fishing & Tourism Region

[hatrack]

Jellyfish population is abounding along the Kerala coast, threatening other species and creating havoc for fishing operations. Scientists studying the phenomenon feel that the proliferation of the species indicates the impact of human activities on the marine environment.

In the latest incident, a large number of dead jellyfish were washed ashore on the Thumba beach in Thiruvananthapuram in the last week of October.

“Mass mortality of jellyfish and fouling of beaches are becoming more frequent,” says A. Biju Kumar, Head, Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, University of Kerala. “Coastal areas around the world are struggling with similar jellyfish blooms, as these population explosions are known. These blooms are increasing in intensity, frequency and duration,” he says.

A biodiversity survey carried out by the department along the southwest coast of India last year found that fishing trawlers were facing a difficult time during the post-monsoon season when their nets get clogged with jellyfish. The survey documented frequent occurrence of jellyfish blooms and the mass deposit of dead jellyfish on beaches. Huge masses of jellyfish have forced the shutdown of nuclear plants in several countries by choking the water intake filters.

EDIT

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/jellyfish-proliferating-along-kerala-coast/article5357801.ece