Thousands of kilometres of New Zealand coastline have been invaded by giant jellyfish, a phenomenon that has been linked to warmer sea temperatures. In the last month mass jellyfish landings have been reported on beaches from Nelson in the south island to Whangarei in the top of the north island. The jellyfish have been identified by marine biology expert Dr Lisa-ann Gershwin as Lion’s Mane – the world’s largest jellyfish – in Whangarei, and its close relative Desmonema in Nelson. Gershwin said any jellyfish landings in large numbers were always “interesting phenomena”, and gave scientists more opportunities to study the creatures up close. Gershwin said New Zealand’s native jellyfish could give a painful sting, but were not life-threatening.

Source: The Guardian October 12, 2016 05:26 UTC