Jellyfish Sightings on Dorset Beaches-Dorset Wildlife Trust

Eight jellyfish species have been recorded in Dorset. The moon jellyfish is probably the most common but we also receive frequent sightings of the compass, blue and barrel jellyfish in the spring and summer. On occasion, these have included swarms. The barrel jellyfish is one the largest we see in Dorset. Odd sightings of these have occured over the last few decades but this changed in May 2014, when swarms appeared along the South Coast. Similar numbers have been reported throughout April 2015. Barrel Jellyfish, which grow up to an impressive 1 metre wide and weigh 25kg, can give a mild sting, even when dead. Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) is advising members of the public not to touch any jellyfish they find and to send in photos of the sighting. These are are essential to aid identification particularly as jellyfish change colour, shape and size when stranded. (See the slideshow above) Conditions are just right for jellyfish to feed along the coast of Dorset Most jellyfish are seen inshore during the spring and summer. During April, longer sunny days, warmer sea temperatures and an upwelling of the nutrients from the depth of the water column, create an increase of microscopic plants and animals, known as the spring plankton bloom. This fabulous food source is the main diet for many marine species and this bloom, along with a mild winter, creates the perfect conditions for jellyfish to flourish. Jellyfish swarms could entice more marine life The leatherback turtle and the oceanic sunfish have been known to visit Dorset. Whilst confirmed sightings of the leatherback are -READ MORE AND HEAR AUDIO-http://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/jellyfish_sightings.html