In our study area (Bay of Al Hoceima, North coast of Morocco) the diversity and abundance of gelatinous species are not homogeneous. Can the diversity of gelatinous species be considered as an indicator of the good state of the aquatic environment?
consult this article:
Article Characteristics of Jellyfish Community and their Relationshi...
Over the last decade, a significant increase in jellyfish blooms has been observed worldwide in marine ecosystems and is becoming seen as an indicator of a state shift in pelagic ecosystems. As large jellyfish blooms may have detrimental effects on fishery resources and ecosystem functioning.
In summer, jellyfish assemblages were most highly associated with surface layer temperature,
Jellyfish are an essential part of many food chains. By feeding on smaller creatures such as fish larvae and eggs, jellyfish help to control species' populations and maintain the balance of the ocean's ecosystem. As well as eating other animals, jellyfish are often prey themselves – even for other jellyfish!
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The diversity of gelatinous species, including jellyfish, can provide valuable information about the condition of the aquatic environment. However, it is important to consider that the interpretation of jellyfish diversity as an indicator of environmental health requires careful analysis and consideration of additional factors.
Jellyfish are known to respond to changes in environmental conditions such as temperature, salinity, nutrient availability, and oxygen levels. Certain species of jellyfish can thrive under specific conditions, while others may decline or disappear. Therefore, changes in jellyfish diversity and abundance can reflect alterations in the marine ecosystem.
However, it is crucial to assess jellyfish diversity in conjunction with other ecological parameters and environmental monitoring data. A comprehensive approach that incorporates multiple indicators of environmental health, such as water quality, biodiversity of other marine organisms, and ecosystem dynamics, is necessary to form a more complete understanding of the ecosystem's condition.
Furthermore, it is important to consider the specific context of the study area, including natural variations, seasonal fluctuations, and potential anthropogenic influences. Long-term monitoring and analysis of jellyfish populations, combined with other environmental indicators, can help researchers identify patterns, assess ecosystem health, and understand the underlying causes of any observed changes.
In summary, while the diversity of gelatinous species, including jellyfish, can provide insights into the condition of the aquatic environment, it should be considered alongside other ecological indicators and contextual factors to form a comprehensive assessment of environmental health.
Peng Sun Thank you very much for your reply. In our study area, we also observed that areas with low jellyfish biodiversity were characterised by a strong predominance of a single macromedusa species during the summer period. This finding suggests that the dominant presence of one specific species may have a negative impact on the overall diversity of jellyfish in these areas.
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