Summary: Last week, thousands of jellyfish were brought to shore in south Florida. The Velella jellyfish are blue-purple colored and are relatively benign. However, because they often travel with a certain species of jellyfish that cary harmful toxins, the south Florida population has been warned to take precaution in dealing with the jellyfish or if they happen to come in contact with one. Though these specific jellyfish have specifically designed bodies that help them sail away from the shore, once every three years such strong winds catch the fins of these "purple sailors" and bring them onto the shore. A purple flag, warning dangerous marine life, is being flown in the area and the clean up of the sea creatures has begun.
Analysis: Though I have very little information on the subject, it seems as though if the same issue occurs every three years some precautions could be made in order to prepare the local population. Especially since these jellyfish could be very dangerous, you would think there would be more aggressive advancements in attempting to get this reoccurring problem under control.
Source: http://www.cnn.com/2016/04/02/us/jellyfish-invade-south-florida-irpt/index.html
Woah! I wonder how the toxins from other spices of jellyfish effect the harmfulness of the Velella jellyfish.
ReplyDeleteThis seems like a very random event. I wonder how America's previous treatment of the environment impacts this.
ReplyDeleteShara Jeyarajah