Jellyfish Cotylorhiza tuberculata
Spanish Murcia is being attacked... fried eggs (huevo frito) – the Regional Fisheries Service reported on this. The Mediterranean jellyfish Cotylorhiza tuberculata was nicknamed "Glaze", whose convex dome of saturated yellow color really resembles an egg yolk. This year, off the coast of the Mar Menor Lagoon, sea eggs have a demographic explosion.
The number of Cotylorhiza tuberculata jellyfish in Mar Menor has reached a record high this year. These jellyfish, whose bites do not pose a serious danger to humans, often cause only mild burning and irritation. However, the authorities urged bathers to be on their guard and take care to avoid unpleasant sensations when coming into contact with these sea creatures.
Joy for biologists: a unique opportunity for research
Biologists, on the contrary, are delighted with such a phenomenon. Scientists from all over the country flock to Mar Menor to study the reasons for such a sharp increase in the number of jellyfish. They believe that this is a unique opportunity to conduct research that can shed light on the ecosystem of the Mediterranean Sea and its dynamics.
Water purification in Mar Menor: a sign of ecological recovery
One of the important conclusions that the researchers have already reached is that the reproduction of Cotylorhiza tuberculata jellyfish indicates a significant improvement in water quality in the Mar Menor lagoon. More recently, in 2016, this area was heavily polluted due to the "green soup" (sopa verde) - phytoplankton, which multiplied rapidly due to wastewater with organic fertilizers, leading to water blooming and serious environmental problems. The current water purification indicates successful ecosystem restoration measures taken in recent years.
Thus, the invasion of Cotylorhiza tuberculata jellyfish in Mar Menor is not only a reason for the caution of bathers, but also an important sign of the ecological recovery of the region.