Increased pollution in the seas and oceans is the cause behind the bloom of jellyfish in Spain

In recent years, the coasts of Spain have witnessed an alarming increase in the presence of jellyfish and the Portuguese man o' war. This phenomenon, attributed to EFE / ECOticias.com, is a complex issue with various contributing factors.

The proliferation of these marine creatures is influenced by several factors, including high water temperatures, a decrease in predators like loggerhead turtles and red tuna, and imbalances in the marine ecosystem. Climate change plays a significant role, as wind and high sea currents, which facilitate their movement, are conditioned by such factors.

Ocean pollution, including materials like fertilizers, not just plastics, also contributes to this issue. Overfishing, by reducing the number of predators that feed on these creatures, further exacerbates the problem.

The Portuguese man o' war, a colonial hydrozoan resembling a jellyfish, can pose serious threats to bathers, especially those with health issues. Its tentacles can extend up to 10 meters and remain active for several hours after the animal is stranded on the beach, potentially causing serious problems or even being fatal for allergic people with a delicate medical history.

On the other hand, jellyfish species such as the fried egg (Cotylorhiza tuberculata), the common (Aurelia aurita), and the sea nettle (Rhizostoma pulmo) have increased in number, but they do not have the capacity to pierce the skin and therefore do not cause infections or stinging effects.

The coasts of the Balearic Islands and Andalusia are the most affected by these marine animals due to their location in biological corridors like the Strait of Gibraltar. The sea clavel (Pelagia noctiluca) has been particularly prevalent on Spanish beaches.

The increase in jellyfish and Portuguese man o' war represents a risk to biodiversity, the fishing economy, and tourism in Spain. To address this issue, it is crucial to reduce marine pollution, implement sustainable management policies, and promote public awareness about caring for the marine environment.

Citizen science applications like MedusApp have been promoted to report sightings and stings of these marine animals, helping to understand their distribution and survival in the seas. In case of a sting, one should rinse the affected area with seawater, remove remaining tentacles, apply cold, and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Despite extensive research, the search results do not explicitly mention specific environmental organizations that address the rise of sea urchins along Spanish coasts and oceans. However, the need for collective action to protect our marine ecosystems is clear.

Increased pollution in the seas and oceans is the cause behind the bloom of jellyfish in Spain