New jellyfish boards set up

A new set of Spot the Jellyfish posters and boards have been set up in over 70 coastal locations around Malta.

The posters feature 12 jellyfish species which are presented in such a way as to be easily recognised by beachgoers.

Some of the featured species, namely the Australian spotted jellyfish, the compass jellyfish and the nomadic jellyfish have never been recorded in Malta, but they have been included since such species have been rapidly spreading in the Mediterranean as a result of global warming.

The Spot the Jellyfish boards and posters were sponsored by the Malta Tourism Authority. Since last year, almost 500 reports of 12 jellyfish species were submitted by the public and can be seen at http://193.188.45.233/jellyfish/stats.html .

Four new species – the blue button (Porpita porpita), the crystal jellyfish (Aequorea sp.), the moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) and Cladonema radiatum were recorded for the first time in Malta.

The reporting of jellyfish species is done by simply matching the sighted jellyfish with a simple visual identification guide, giving the date and time of the sighting and indicating the number of jellies seen. Sightings can be reported online or submitted through an SMS on 7922 2278, or by sending an e-mail to ioi-moc@um.edu.mt.

A jellyfish photography competition is also being organised jointly with Din l-Art Ħelwa. Submissions are to be made to Alan Deidun (alan.deidun@um.edu.mt) and Stanley Farrugia Randon (sfarran@maltanet.net).

The competition is divided into two categories – one for scuba divers and snorkelers and one for those having a conventional camera. Winners of both categories will be announced during Notte Bianca.