Ground control to Major Jellyfish

Barrel jellyfish on the South Welsh coast are being fitted with microchips as part of a research project. The Swansea University scientists behind the EcoJel project hope to learn more about how far and how deep jellies travel, the impact of climate change, and how jellies affect other species. Their press release last summer cites the destruction of a Northern Irish salmon farm by an enormous bloom, but also mentions potential jelly benefits such as ecotourism.

Scientists are hoping that when the jellyfish shuffle off this mortal coil, the tags will wash up on beaches and be found by members of the public, who will report back on the location of the tags for a £25 reward.

“The project will also explore the potential of harvesting jellyfish in a sustainable way for food to export to Asian markets,” said Ieuan Wyn Jones, Deputy First Minister for Wales. So in dragging these tags around, certain jellies may be hastening a sticky end involving chopsticks and a smattering of soy.