Giant jellyfish population crowding Sea of Japan

Japan’s got bigger things to worry about, but scientists are keeping an eye on the expanding population of giant jellyfish in the Sea of Japan.

Health & Science reporter Carolyn Beeler came across an article (and fascinating photo) detailing the 450-pound, seven-foot-long creatures that originate near China.

Researchers theorize the degradation of China’s coastal waters contributes to the population swell. Overfishing of jellyfish predators and rising water temperatures are among the causes. New ports being built in China provide havens for jellyfish polyps that need a hard surface to attach to during development.

Dr. Shin-ichi Uye of Hiroshima University has taken to studying the patterns of these giant jellyfish to help Japan combat the negative effects on the fishing injury. Could you imagine lugging that think onboard with a net?

A 2006 article from National Geographic touches on the same problem.