This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-33988083

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Jellyfish at record high, says Marine Conservation Society Jellyfish at record high, says Marine Conservation Society
(about 7 hours later)
"Massive" barrel jellyfish have been spotted in record numbers in UK waters for a second consecutive year, a leading marine charity has said."Massive" barrel jellyfish have been spotted in record numbers in UK waters for a second consecutive year, a leading marine charity has said.
The Marine Conservation Society said the apparent increases "can no longer be ignored", and called for more research to understand what it means.The Marine Conservation Society said the apparent increases "can no longer be ignored", and called for more research to understand what it means.
Most sightings in 2014 were in south west and south England, it said.Most sightings in 2014 were in south west and south England, it said.
There were also about 30 reports of the potentially deadly Portuguese man-of-war in Devon and Cornwall in July 2015.There were also about 30 reports of the potentially deadly Portuguese man-of-war in Devon and Cornwall in July 2015.
In Guernsey, an unprecedented number of Mauve stingers were reported in the same month.In Guernsey, an unprecedented number of Mauve stingers were reported in the same month.
The National Jellyfish Survey involves thousands of people recording jellyfish sightings on the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) website.The National Jellyfish Survey involves thousands of people recording jellyfish sightings on the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) website.
In 2013, the survey received over 1,000 reports involving hundreds of thousands of jellyfish.In 2013, the survey received over 1,000 reports involving hundreds of thousands of jellyfish.
Last year, the number of reports increased to over 1,400 reports and by July this year the survey had already received over 1,000 reports.Last year, the number of reports increased to over 1,400 reports and by July this year the survey had already received over 1,000 reports.
Jellyfish found in UK watersJellyfish found in UK waters
Barrel jellyfish: Reported throughout the year all around the UK, but most 2015 reports from South and SW England. 75% of records this year have involved barrel jellyfish.Barrel jellyfish: Reported throughout the year all around the UK, but most 2015 reports from South and SW England. 75% of records this year have involved barrel jellyfish.
Moon jellyfish: Started to appear in May, by July were reported all around the UKMoon jellyfish: Started to appear in May, by July were reported all around the UK
Blue jellyfish: Started to appear in May, by July were reported all around the UKBlue jellyfish: Started to appear in May, by July were reported all around the UK
Compass jellyfish: Started to appear in June, with most reports in July from South West England, South West Wales and North West EnglandCompass jellyfish: Started to appear in June, with most reports in July from South West England, South West Wales and North West England
Lion's mane: Started to appear in May, by July were reported all around Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.Lion's mane: Started to appear in May, by July were reported all around Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
Portuguese Man o War: About 30 reports from Devon and Cornwall in July Portuguese man-of-war: About 30 reports from Devon and Cornwall in July
Mauve stinger: Unprecedented numbers recorded off Guernsey in JulyMauve stinger: Unprecedented numbers recorded off Guernsey in July
By the Wind Sailor: Several reports from SW England in January, then a few in JulyBy the Wind Sailor: Several reports from SW England in January, then a few in July
The MCS said August was usually a peak month for jellyfish sightings.The MCS said August was usually a peak month for jellyfish sightings.
Dr Peter Richardson from the society said: "We know that our seas are changing through climate change, resulting in rising sea temperatures and increased ocean acidification, and we know our seas are also heavily fished.Dr Peter Richardson from the society said: "We know that our seas are changing through climate change, resulting in rising sea temperatures and increased ocean acidification, and we know our seas are also heavily fished.
"At the same time we seem to be witnessing increases in jellyfish around the UK."At the same time we seem to be witnessing increases in jellyfish around the UK.
"Is this an anomaly, a coincidence, or are the jellyfish telling us something about fundamental changes in the condition of our seas?""Is this an anomaly, a coincidence, or are the jellyfish telling us something about fundamental changes in the condition of our seas?"