 INVASIVE JELLYFISH FOUND IN INDIAN RIVER LAGOON JELLYFISH NATIVE TO AUSTRALIA, CAUSED PROBLEMS IN GULF OF MEXICO LAST YEAR FORT PIERCE, FLA., June 27, 2001 - HARBOR BRANCH Oceanographic Institution scientists are looking into the discovery of an exotic and invasive species of jellyfish that has turned up in the Indian River Lagoon north of Sebastian Inlet. Two of the Australian spotted jellyfish were sited in recent days by Lauren Hall, a biologist for the St. Johns River Water Management District. One of the animals was brought to HARBOR BRANCH, where ecologist Jim Masterson, Ph.D., made the initial determination that they were Phyllorhiza punctata, a species native to Australia. Thousands of the jellyfish fed on fish eggs in red snapper and king mackerel spawning waters in the Gulf of Mexico last year after a population explosion. Fishing nets became clogged with the creatures, but the explosion lasted only a few weeks and most of the jellyfish eventually disappeared. However, they have been seen again in the Gulf of Mexico in the past few days. They have a mild sting and are not considered a threat to humans. Dr. Masterson and HARBOR BRANCH Scientist Dr. Clay Cook have been examining images and tissue samples from the jellyfish, and have sent some of the tissue samples to Dr. William Graham of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab in Alabama. Dr. Graham and Dr. Masterson are urging people not to become alarmed, since only two animals have been found. Dr. Graham plans an aerial survey of the Indian River Lagoon to see if he can spot more of the jellyfish. Dr. Masterson said there does appear to be one difference between the jellyfish found in the Indian River Lagoon and those from the Gulf of Mexico. The ones found here appear to have what's called a symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic microalgae that live in the tissue of the jellyfish. The microalgae are present in the jellyfish found in their native Australian waters. The microalgae were not present in the jellyfish from the Gulf of Mexico. Biologist Hall has asked members of other agencies who are on the water to be on the lookout for the jellyfish. Dr. Masterson said he plans to also conduct surveys in the Indian River Lagoon to determine if more animals can be found. It's believed the jellyfish came to Florida from the Caribbean, where they first appeared about 30 years ago. It is likely they were transported to these waters in the bilges of ships passing through the Panama Canal, but that theory has never been proven. Animals can range in size from a few inches to more than a foot across. The preserved specimen collected from the Indian River Lagoon and shown here is about the size of a basketball. The general shape, the white spots on the bell, and the "cauliflower" appearance of the oral mass are distinguishing traits. The orange-brown mottled pattern may not be as prominent in living animals. Sightings of this species can be reported to Dr. James Masterson of Harbor Branch at masterson@hboi.edu. IMAGE ONE • IMAGE TWO For more information or to arrange interviews or obtain images or video, please call HARBOR BRANCH at 772.465.2400 . HARBOR BRANCH Oceanographic Institution, Inc. is one of the world's leading nonprofit oceanographic research organizations dedicated to the exploration of the earth's oceans, estuaries and coastal regions for the benefit of mankind. |