Sudden rise in temperature in sea water invites jellyfish along Korea’s coasts. The populations of this deadly species expand in the coming months and that could be fatal for marine creatures in that area. Fishermen and authorities are bracing for an expected surge in jellyfish when their populations expand the most out of their one-year lifespan. The numbers of jellyfish would increase to such extent that in August the seas along southern and western beaches may appear to be nearly half water and half jellyfish.
The National Fisheries Research and Development Institute has conducted a survey which says that as many as one million jellyfish can be found per square kilometer during this time. Some 300~400 kg of the jellyfish can be caught in fishing nets, tearing the nets and ruining the day’s catch. North Jeolla Province officials express about 40 percent of local fishermen do not go to sea during the swarm season. Local authorities also complain that fishing catches have dropped by 90 percent due to the annual nuisance over the past five years and 80 percent of caught fish can’t be sold as they are damaged when they are removed from jellyfish tentacles.
The outbreak of jellyfish also affected the beaches and the tourist industry. It is noticed that nearly 650 visitors were stung at seven Busan area beaches between June and August last year. It is said that six kind sof toxic jellyfish are found in Korean waters including Nomura’s jellyfish, which is dangerous among all.
