The “death jellyfish” is approaching as the jellyfish season gets underway in Norwegian waters. According to marine scientist Tone Falkenhaug, observations have been made of both red and blue jellyfish along the Norwegian coast, including in the Oslo Fjord. The red jellyfish is more common and appears along the entire Norwegian coast, while the blue jellyfish is rarer and mainly found in the south and west of Norway.
Falkenhaug explains that the jellyfish season is difficult to predict as it depends on various factors. While there are currently no major blooms, it is impossible to say for certain if there will be a strong bloom. The Norwegian Institute of Marine Research is encouraging people to report jellyfish observations to them.
Weather and wind can also affect the jellyfish summer. The announcement of the weather phenomenon El Niño, which causes higher surface temperatures in the oceans, may impact the jellyfish. Falkenhaug suggests that the jellyfish may move down to the depths towards colder water if the water becomes too warm. Changes in weather patterns and offshore winds can also cause many jellyfish to appear, as warm surface water is replaced by colder water from the depths.
In recent years, blue jellyfish have been moving further north. In 2021, the southern species was found as far north as the coast of Finnmark. This expansion of the blue jellyfish’s range is a cause for concern, as they can cause burns similar to the red jellyfish.
Overall, the jellyfish season in Norway is unpredictable, and researchers are still trying to understand the factors that control jellyfish blooms. The increasing presence of blue jellyfish in northern waters is a worrying development, and further research is needed to understand its implications.
How have recent sightings of blue jellyfish in northern Norway raised concerns among researchers?
Get Ready for the Arrival of the Mysterious “Death Jellyfish” in Norwegian Waters
As the jellyfish season kicks off in Norwegian waters, marine scientists are bracing themselves for the arrival of the infamous “death jellyfish.” Both red and blue jellyfish have already been spotted along the Norwegian coast, including in the Oslo Fjord, according to marine scientist Tone Falkenhaug.
The red jellyfish is the more common species and can be found all along the Norwegian coast. In contrast, the blue jellyfish is a rarity and is mainly found in the south and west regions of Norway.
Predicting the jellyfish season is no easy task, as it depends on a variety of factors. At the moment, there are no major jellyfish blooms, but that could change at any moment. The Norwegian Institute of Marine Research is urging people to report any jellyfish sightings to them.
Weather conditions, including wind patterns, also play a significant role in the jellyfish summer. The announcement of the weather phenomenon known as El Niño, which causes higher ocean surface temperatures, could impact the jellyfish population. Should the water become too warm, the jellyfish may even seek refuge in colder depths.
Recent years have seen the blue jellyfish venturing further north than ever before. In 2021, these southern species were found as far up as the coast of Finnmark. This expansion is a cause for concern, as blue jellyfish can inflict painful burns similar to their red counterparts.
Overall, the jellyfish season in Norway remains highly unpredictable, leaving researchers struggling to understand the factors behind jellyfish blooms. The increasing presence of blue jellyfish in northern waters is a troubling development that calls for further investigation to fully grasp its implications.
Stay vigilant and report any jellyfish sightings, as unraveling the mysteries of these fascinating creatures is a team effort.
