Both red and blue stinging jellyfish have increased in recent years along Sweden's west coast. New species are also appearing, according to marine biologist Christin Appelqvist.
Stinging jellyfish have been abundant on the west coast recently. Similar observations are reported from Norway along the coast from Skagerrak up toward Bergen.
Christin Appelqvist at the Tjärnö marine laboratory outside Strömstad says the numbers have clearly increased. She launched a citizen science project last year where the public reports sightings. Over 2 000 reports have been received so far.
Moon jellyfish appear to be faring poorly and often die prematurely before reproducing. Their decline seems to benefit stinging jellyfish. New species such as the compass jellyfish and lion's mane jellyfish have also been noted, partly due to ballast water and warmer waters from global warming.
