Moon is the key to predicting jellyfish swarms
Israeli researchers say look to the Moon, rather than the wind, to predict jellyfish swarms. Photo: Getty
Israeli researchers have worked out the best time to avoid hitting the beach, if you don’t like sharing the water with jellyfish.
The University of Haifa’s natural resources department says the arrival of gelatinous masses of jellyfish on Israel’s shores is linked to the temperature of the Mediterranean Sea, and the cycles of the moon.
Researcher Avi Algazi told the Jerusalem Post that jellyfish arrive when the sea temperature ranges between 28.2C and 30C, and during the full moon.
While it is possible that some jellyfish will make it to beaches at other times, the most significant swarms arrive under such conditions.
Avi Algazi said the results were surprising.
“We knew the moon has a big influence on a lot of things but we didn’t so far have statistical data on the correlation between jellyfish and the moon.”
The team used as a base for their research the number of blockages in the cooling facilities of the Israel Electric Corporation due to jellyfish.
Such blockages are worst in June and July when demand for electricity is highest.
Moon is key to when jellyfish hit beach: Study https://t.co/yTJ0x7VFTJ pic.twitter.com/jXkxB2urxT
— The Straits Times (@straits_times) August 25, 2016
The sea creatures have become frequent and unwelcome guests along the country’s shores.
At the moment the research only applies to local conditions, but Algazi hopes the results could be checked around the world.
– with agencies.
