STORMS have led to more Portuguese men o’ war being spotted in Scotland’s waters, according to the Marine Conservation Society (MCS).
To mark World Jellyfish Day, the charity has released its first “Wildlife Sightings” report, which is based on a longer-running citizen science project.
A total of 1,315 jellyfish sightings were reported to the MCS between 1 October 2021 and 30 September 2022, covering eight common species and three rarer visitors.
The compass jellyfish was the most-reported species, accounting for 23% of sightings, followed closely by the moon jellyfish, which is often seen in “smacks” or groups of jellyfish.
“Storms in October 2021 and February 2022 led to an increase in Portuguese man o’ war sightings, which were up by 2% from the previous year,” said the MCS.
“Although they have a bad reputation, these jellyfish-like creatures don’t normally occur in UK waters, preferring instead to drift in the open ocean.
“Sightings of these unusual visitors were primarily along the south-west coast [of England] and the west coast of Scotland, with westerly winds carrying them across the Atlantic to our shores.
“Sometimes stranding at the same time was the violet sea snail, which floats on the surface in bubble rafts, feeding on Portuguese man o’ wars.”
The MCS added: “Jellyfish are especially appealing for marine turtles, which visit UK waters in the summer months to feed on them.
“Eleven turtles were also reported, six of which were live leatherback turtles, spotted on the coast of Scotland.
“Leatherbacks are the largest turtle species with a diet mainly consisting of jellyfish.”
Read more stories on Scottish Field’s wildlife pages.
Plus, don’t miss photographer Kevin Morgans’ puffin pictures in the November issue of Scottish Field magazine.
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