Coast KZN

State of the Coast: KZN
State of the Coast: KZN

State of the Coast: KwaZulu-Natal Chapter 1: Introduction & Background Chapter 2: Overarching Drivers Chapter 3: Climate Variability
Chapter 4: Coastal Environment Chapter 5: Estuarine Environment Chapter 6: Marine Environment Chapter 7: Human Environment Chapter 8: Economic Environment
Chapter 9: Governance Environment Chapter 10: Conclusions
The Profile of the KZN Coast
The Profile of the KZN Coast

Ugu Lwethu- Our Coast Defining the Coastal Zone The Physical and Coastal Environment Coastal and Marine Ecosystems
Coastal and Marine Species Migrations The Human Dimension Socio-Economic Uses of the Coast Commercial Resource Uses
Pressures and Threats Management of the Coastal and Marine Environments Understanding our Coast
Coastal access
Coastal access

Access RoutesBoat Launch SitesThe Human DimensionCoastal Access: Stats & Facts
Estuaries
Estuaries

What is an Estuary? Know your Estuaries Estuary Health and Conservation KZN Estuary Observer Programme
Historical Time Series Estuary Mouth Status Sand Mining
Recreation
Recreation

Fish TaggingAccess RoutesBlue Flag Beaches
Coastal risk and vulnerability
Coastal risk and vulnerability

Coastal Risk LinesExtreme EventsCoastal ErosionKZN Coastal Vulnerability IndexPollution
Coastal issues
Coastal issues

PollutionSand MiningCoastal ErosionNurdlesUPL Chemical Spill
Back
09 Nov 2017

Massive jellyfish wash ashore in Richards Bay

Tamlyn Jolly (Zululand Observer) Picture: To get a sense of size, Luke Rautenbach stands near the jelly fish, measuring about 40cm at its widest, that washed up at the NSRI base in Richards Bay (Photo: Brynn Gericke)

“The washing up of jelly fish is natural and not a cause for concern“

To add to the list of marine life washing up on Richards Bay’s shores are some quite large jelly fish, a few of which were spotted at the weekend by beach-goers.

At least two have washed up so far, one at the NSRI base and the other outside Cubana in the Small Craft Harbour.

Measuring about 40cm at its widest point, the one that washed up at the NSRI base is among the biggest seen by NSRI crew member, Brynn Gericke, who sent in her photograph to the Zululand Observer.

Jennifer Olbers, a Durban-based Marine Biologist with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, said the species washing up on our shores is known as a true jellyfish called the Scyphozoa.

To get a sense of size, Luke Rautenbach stands near the jelly fish, measuring about 40cm at its widest, that washed up at the NSRI base in Richards Bay (Photo: Brynn Gericke)

 

This word comes from the Greek word meaning drinking cup, alluding to the shape of the animal.

‘In KZN, this species is common and is from the family the Rhizostomatidae,’ said Olbers.

‘They are harmless to humans but can cause skin irritation or a rash, so people are advised not to touch the tentacles of these animals.

‘Certainly do not place it on your head and take a selfie!’

Olbers said jelly fish are floating zoos, hosting other animals such as baby fish and brittle stars, which take refuge in among the jelly fish’s tentacles.

‘Jelly fish wash up onto KZN beaches occasionally.

‘This is a natural phenomenon caused by a variety of factors, including changes in water temperature or storm events.

‘It is part of the natural cycle of a jelly fish and, at this stage, is not a cause for concern.’

Olbers said people should not try to throw the jelly fish back into the water as they will simply wash up again.

‘Leave them on the beach and let them be taken by the tide so they get swept offshore.’

Online Article