jellymercopresscomA surge in the jellyfish populations may be one reason for a drop in fish stocks in the Mediterranean and Black Sea, according to a new report published by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The report said over-fishing had increased the number of jellyfish because it had removed their main predators from the food chain. In a “vicious circle”, the jellyfish then feed on fish larvae and young fish “and further reduce the resilience of fish populations,” the report said.

It suggested that among the ways to reduce the jellyfish populations in the Mediterranean could be increased use of medusas as food or medicine. Noting that China is among the first countries to process jellyfish for human consumption, particularly the edible Rhopilema esculentum, the report said the move represents a multi-million-dollar sea food business in Asia.

Locations free of jellyfish and safe to swim in may be viewed at http://www.maltaweathersite.com/jellymap.asp. Image courtesy of mercopress.com

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