Britons urged to count jellyfish
July 9, 2004
A vast army of jellyfish has invaded the seas around Britain as holidaymakers take to the beach and the water.
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) wants people to report their jellyfish encounters to help further research after a successful survey in 2003.
Peter Richardson, MCS species policy officer, said: "Our jellyfish survey is revealing fascinating insights into the lives of these beautiful and enigmatic animals.
"But we rely heavily on the efforts of British holidaymakers who, by sending in reports of their encounters with jellyfish, are making a real contribution to the knowledge and understanding of our mysterious and sometimes dangerous medusas."
Jellyfish are the favourite food of the critically endangered leatherback turtles which visit the UK seas to feed on them.
Scientists say people's feedback will complement research on climate and sea temperatures to understand the ecology of the leatherback turtle.
The Marine Conservation Society has further information.
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