Jellyfish Surges Hit U.S. Coasts and Inland Waters

Jellyfish sightings and stings are increasing along the U.S. East Coast, notably at Delmarva and Delaware beaches, due to warmer water temperatures and optimal salinity. Lifeguards are reporting more incidents, and beachgoers are experiencing a higher number of stings. In Texas, the invasive Australian white-spotted jellyfish (Phyllorhiza punctata) is appearing in larger numbers, threatening local marine life and potentially disrupting fishing activities. Rare freshwater jellyfish (Craspedacusta sowerbyi) have also been spotted at Presque Isle State Park in Pennsylvania, highlighting unusual shifts in jellyfish distributions. New research has identified a bio-geographic barrier in the North Atlantic that may impact deep-sea jellyfish populations and their physical diversity. These developments point to complex environmental factors shaping jellyfish activity and underscore the need for coastal awareness during peak seasons.