A Vibrant Sea of Pelagia and Light
The coasts of the Empordà and Costa Brava coasts are experiencing a fascinating phenomenon these days. It is nothing but the exponential increase in the presence of jellyfish, filling the seas with life and color.
With the warmth of the good weather and the abundant supply of nutrients, the jellyfish have seen a dramatic increase in their population. From Platja de l’Escala to more secluded areas, such as the Medes Islands, jellyfish have become the unexpected protagonists of this maritime spring.
The landscape is not the same without the presence of these sea creatures. Hundreds of luminescent jellyfish, such as the Pelagia Noctiluca, make walks along the beach a magical experience, while the Velella Velella, known as Saint Peter’s boats, adorn the waves with their vibrant blue.
The Mediterranean Sea, these days, has become a natural spectacle that leaves no one indifferent. The abundance of underwater life is an indicator of the health of our seas and a sample of the biological wealth it hides.
The Phenomenon Explained by Science
Marine biologist Sergi Corral offers a scientific view of this exceptional phenomenon. According to Corral, the increase in jellyfish is mainly due to the increase in phytoplankton, which has been favored by favorable conditions, such as solar radiation and the contribution of organic matter from rivers and rain.
This explosion of underwater life not only affects jellyfish, but the entire marine food chain. Zooplankton, bluefish, tuna and even cetaceans are influenced by this phenomenon, which highlights the fragility and complexity of marine ecosystems.
For Corral, this burst of life is nothing more than the culmination of a natural cycle, comparable to the arrival of spring on the mainland. It is a symbol of renewal and the vitality of the Mediterranean Sea.
An Unforgettable Underwater Show
The Empordà beaches are filled with color and light thanks to this invasion of jellyfish and other marine species. The Montgrí Natural Park, the Medes Islands and the Baix Ter have also witnessed this phenomenon, capturing impressive images of the Velella Velella in its waters.
Despite their beauty, remember that jellyfish, such as Pelagia Noctiluca, can be stinging and cause discomfort to bathers. Even so, the authorities choose to leave them in their natural environment, trusting in the natural cycle that will end their presence on the beaches.
Biologist Eduard Marquès, Observer of the Sea, highlights the importance of this burst of marine life and considers it a unique spectacle that reminds us of the fragility and beauty of our oceans.
