Observation of Freshwater Jellyfish in Mazaja Baltezer: Impact, Spread, and Reasons Behind It

This year it was observed in Mazaja Baltezer.

As reported, in September of last year, DAP experts confirmed that invasive freshwater jellyfish “Craspedacusta sowerbii” were observed for the first time in a pond in Drabešu Parish, Cēsa County.

DAP “Life Reef” project coordinator Gunta Gabrāne stated that these jellyfish are about the size of a two-euro coin, white and transparent and not dangerous to human health and life. It is likely that they will spread to other water bodies as well, so DAP calls for reports on other sightings of the species.

Gabrāne explained that people’s unconscious behavior and climate change are the main reasons why this species has been spreading further and further from its place of origin – China and Japan – since the last century, and is currently found on all continents except Antarctica. They most likely arrived in Latvia with the help of birds, sticking to their feet, or with the seedlings of exotic aquatic plants, because they can survive without water at a certain stage of development.

Freshwater jellyfish feed on phytoplankton and can potentially be food competitors for juvenile fish.

The “Life Reef” project implemented by DAP, which has so far identified jellyfish in the marine ecosystem, also studied the jellyfish of Drabešu Parish. Project manager Ilze Sabule noted that the exact route of these jellyfish to Latvia is unknown. Likewise, the impact of the species on the ecosystems of Latvia has not yet been studied, therefore jellyfish do not need to be moved and specially distributed. Citizens should report their sightings, as such information will help to understand the speed and ways in which the species is spreading.

Freshwater jellyfish have already been observed in Poland, Sweden, Finland and Russia, and in 2002 they were found in Lithuania near the Nemunas River. The origin of Lithuanian jellyfish is also still unclear.

2023-07-19 09:16:55
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