More Jellyfish Making Their Way Into Bays & Rivers Of Jersey Shore This Summer

[hatrack]

BAY HEAD, N.J. - Jellyfish are increasingly making their way into bays and rivers on the Jersey Shore, stinging swimmers and chasing some from recreational spots they had used for decades. While jellyfish have long been a seasonal affliction at ocean beaches, more are now pushing inland. There, the warmer, calmer waters of bays and rivers provide them a nurturing environment.

"The jellyfish population has exploded," said Willie deCamp, chairman of Save Barnegat Bay, an ecological group. DeCamp said jellyfish started to appear in the bay in sizable numbers about five years ago. "Because of them, you're seeing less recreational use of waterways and beaches in some spots," deCamp said. Sea nettles, a type of jellyfish, have taken up residence in the Manasquan River. Lifeguards at beaches in Point Pleasant, in Ocean County, regularly stock their first aid kits with alcohol swabs to apply to stings that young swimmers get there.

Lavallette, also in Ocean County, has seen large populations of jellyfish in the bay for several years. "When it's cold in the ocean, we like to train in the bay," said Beach Patrol Lt. Joe Caucino. "But you can't when it's full of jellyfish."

Marine biologists say one of the main culprits in the jellyfish migration is an increase in nitrogen in bays and rivers. Most commonly, this comes from residential lawn fertilizers. When it rains, some of the fertilizer makes its way down storm drains and eventually into the bay and rivers through outfall pipes. Stinging jellyfish thrive in nitrogen-rich environments.

EDIT

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20080723_Jellyfish_leaving_beaches_at_Shore.html

Gosh, I'm stumped. What could area residents possibly do that might cut back on jellyfish populations? It's right on the tip of my tongue . . . Help! Somebody! Anybody!

[hisownpetard]

1. If you're going 'down the shore,' bring peanut butter!

[hatrack]

2. Though normally, I'd be strongly in favor of more Jellyfish . . .

[soleft]

3. They're in the Ocean too, way too early

And the thing is, it's not even really that warm yet. I mean, I was wearing a wet suit because the water was still close to 60 degrees and I had to get out cause I saw a big jelly fish with a red center. Usually you don't see them til August, but they've been here since end of June.

[DCKit]

4. Not a clue, but if the librul press weren't reporting on it...

they'd just go away.

Everyone knows jellyfish are whores for media coverage.