04 August 2008
SIDON: Lebanon's coast has seen a marked decrease in the number of jellyfish this year as a result of extensive fishing along the Mediterranean coast, environmental activists warn.
The demand for jellyfish as a savory dish in Middle Eastern and Far Eastern countries has increased in recent years.
In addition, the species' inclusion in the industrial field and the proliferation of sea turtles that feed on the sea creature all contributed to decreasing the numbers of jellyfish in the Mediterranean Sea.
For decades jellyfish were a source of annoyance for swimmers, but they rarely approach Lebanon's shores today.
While this may be a welcome change for surf lovers, it has caused great concern to environmental organizations and activists involved in preserving marine life.
The diminishing presence of jellyfish has had a negative impact on biological diversity in the Mediterranean waters, marine experts warn.
Mohammad al-Sarji, the head of the Professional Divers Association and a member of the Bahr Lubnan, told The Daily Star that jellyfish, which usually proliferate during the summer season, have this year appeared for the first time during the winter season in February.
"Compared to previous years, their numbers have also decreased during the summer season due to the increase in sea turtles that approach the Lebanese shores in order to reproduce. They primarily feed on jellyfish," he added.
According to Sarji, the main reason for the decrease in jellyfish numbers this year is that they have become "a target for fishermen in the Middle East."
"Fishermen believe that when jellyfish approach, they bring with them schools of small- and medium-sized fish that use the jellyfish as shields from larger fish," Sarji said. He added that the creatures are later sold to Japan, where they are sun dried and used in main courses, especially in soups because of their gelatinous texture."
"This decrease has a negative effect on the aquatic environment in Lebanon where jellyfish complete the aquatic food chain," the activist said, adding that "any setback in this chain will cause major problems in the marine environment."
Copyright The Daily Star 2008.
