eventually repeat these analyses in a decade
or two from now, to determine whether there
has been a real increase in jellyfish,” Professor
Duarte reported.
The study found jellyfish populations undergo
concurrent oscillations with successive
decadal periods of rise and fall in numbers,
including an upward phase in the 1990s and
early 2000s that has likely contributed to the
current public perception of a global increase.
The previous period of high jellyfish numbers
during the 1970s went largely unnoticed.
“The more we know, the better we can manage
oceanic ecosystems or respond accurately to
future effects of climate change,” Professor
Duarte said.
There is still, however, much consensus
locally that our current population boom
is attributable to localised environmental
factors and the lack of predators. Whichever
set of facts you subscribe to, one thing is 7W&P