Lee, Sunhee (2017) Trend of increasing jellyfish outbreaks: Geographical distribution and environmental implication of the harzadrous jellyfishes in the global oceans. (Master thesis), Christian-Albrechts-Universität Kiel, Kiel, Germany, 90 pp.

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Abstract

The impacts of anthropogenic pressure on the marine community has so far included decreased ocean productivity, altered food web dynamics, and shifting species distributions threatening both the ecosystem and humans. In this scenario, the prevalence of jellyfish has been considered as a reliable indicator of the state of degradation of ocean health. Here, using large datasets we explore the jellyfish outbreaks effects on the society and the environment. The thesis is structured in four chapters that provide a global view of jellyfish current concerns. Primarily, a general overview and the compilation of hazardous cases are shown regarding the jellyfish and human interaction. Afterwards, the negative impacts of jellyfish outbreaks are synthesized at the global scale; the overall picture shows significant changes in environmental variables and an enlarged dispersal range of jellyfish over the last decades. Lastly, the interactions between climate, human stress and long-term jellyfish variation were approached by statistical models. The results showed how jellyfish populations respond to different fishing pressures or changes in environmental conditions. Our approach focused on the implications of jellyfish outbreaks on human health, enterprises, and ecological systems. We conclude that jellyfish are valuable indicators of the ocean changes.

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