In an effort to understand the ecology of Britain's leatherback turtles, MCS would like you to help record jellyfish strandings on local beaches and jellyfish swarms at sea.
You can help
MCS requires detailed records of jellyfish strandings on UK shores and jellyfish swarms at sea. If you regularly walk along beaches, are an Adopt-a-Beach/Beachwatch volunteer, dive or sail, you can help as follows:
- Report your jellyfish encounter online here
- Download a reporting form (see below), complete one form per survey and return to MCS by the freepost address provided
NB: It is important to record when you do see jellyfish on the beach or at sea, but it is also useful to know when and where you don't see any. If possible, please fill in a form for each walk or sea trip regardless of whether or not you see jellyfish.
MCS national jellyfish survey data from 2003 through to 2006 will be fully analysed in collaboration with our partners at the University of Exeter's Centre for Ecology and Conservation later in 2007.
The MCS colour jellyfish ID guide and survey recording form is available by post or download. Click here to receive your free copy.
Jellyfish and leatherbacks: Little is known about jellyfish in UK waters, but we do know that they are the staple diet of the critically endangered leatherback turtle. These spectacular reptiles are seasonal visitors to UK seas, migrating from their tropical nesting beaches, and analyses of stomach contents of dead leatherbacks stranded on UK shores have revealed that they feed on several species of British jellyfish. By comparing the distribution of jellyfish with environmental factors such as sea temperature, plankton production and current flow, we hope to understand what influences the seasonal distribution of jellyfish and leatherbacks in UK waters.
Jellyfish ID: Identification of live jellyfish is usually easy but once they've washed up on the beach it can become more difficult. Please do not guess if you are not really sure, just record the jellyfish as 'Unidentified' and describe it on the form. If possible, take photos of the jellyfish bell and manubrium (mouth and arms, underside and centre of bell) to help with identification later.
Health and Safety:
- Some jellyfish can sting
- Never touch jellyfish with bare hands
- Always use a stick or wear arm length rubber gloves if you need to turn them over for identification
- Beware of the stinging tentacles and keep your face and any exposed skin well clear
- Seek medical attention in the case of a severe sting
