JELLY WATCH

The JELLY WATCH research project is multidisciplinary aimed at understanding and forecasting the mass arrival of the Pelagia noctiluca jellyfish in the coastal waters of the Paca region. The Pelagia noctiluca is a stinging jellyfish which can harm coastal activities along the Mediterranean shoreline. The mass appearances of this jellyfish impacts tourism, fishing, and aquaculture. Its effect on the marine flora and fauna is not known. This study will help those along the coastal areas through a better understanding of the formation of swarms of jellyfish and predict their stranding along the coast of the Ligurian Sea and the Golfe du Lion.

In order to achieve this, satellite, meteorological, hydrodynamic and biological tools will be used. Predictive models will be built and validated at sea. These models will take into account the biological characteristics of jellyfish determined both in the laboratory and at sea. During the model validation phase collaboration with coastal authorities will be organized, involving health monitoring bodies and eco-volunteer organisations.

Once the models are validated the knowledge will be transferred to a start-up currently being formed which will be charged with commercialising the solutions which will create permanent and seasonal jobs.