Britain is being hit by a flood of jellyfish! Record numbers are flocking to British waters – with sightings up 32% this year

From highland cows to red deer, Britain is home to some of the world’s most incredible animals.

Now a report has revealed the influx of a rather unexpected creature onto British shores – the jellyfish.

The Marine Conservation Society report shows a whopping 32 percent increase in jellyfish sightings this year compared to last year.

Experts believe the increase in sightings could be linked to climate change, as jellyfish are attracted to warmer waters.

“Jellyfish populations fluctuate greatly from year to year and depend on several environmental factors that differ each year, such as ocean temperatures and storms,” said Dr. Peter Richardson, Head of Ocean Recovery at the Marine Conservation Society.

From highland cows to red deer, Britain is home to some of the world’s most incredible animals. Now a report has revealed the influx of a rather unexpected creature onto British shores – the jellyfish. In the picture: a barrel jellyfish

While jellyfish can be spotted in the waters of the United Kingdom and Irish Sea all year round, larger blooms tend to appear in spring and last until autumn

While jellyfish can be spotted in the waters of the United Kingdom and Irish Sea all year round, larger blooms tend to appear in spring and last until autumn.

The report shows that 75 percent of the sightings were single jellyfish, while 11 percent were large groups of over 100 creatures – a 57 percent increase from the previous year.

“The number of sightings we receive may also depend on the awareness of our sighting program and the ‘wow factor’ of the jellyfish people encounter,” added Dr. Richardson added.

As far as species goes, the barrel jellyfish – often called the “dustbin lid jellyfish” because of its size – topped the list with 27 percent of all sightings.

This is an increase of 21 percent compared to the previous year.

“This year appears to have been a particularly good year for barrel jellies – one of our fattest species of jellyfish, which can be found in incredible numbers when conditions are right,” said Dr. Richardson.

Lion’s Mane (pictured) (17.7 percent) was the next species spotted, followed by Moon (17 percent), Compass (13 percent), Blue (10.1 percent) and Portuguese Man of War (3.6 percent).

The report shows that 75 percent of the sightings were single jellyfish, while 11 percent were large groups of over 100 creatures – a 57 percent increase from the previous year

Lion’s Mane (17.7 percent) was the next species spotted, followed by Moon (17 percent), Compass (13 percent), Blue (10.1 percent) and Portuguese Man of War (3.6 percent).

Other “fascinating” jellyfish-like species included crystal and comb jellies and sea gooseberries.

While the reason for the increase in numbers remains unclear, the team hopes future observations will help solve the mystery.

“Only by observing trends over many years can we begin to suggest reasons for change,” added Dr. Richardson added.

Aside from jellyfish, the Marine Conservation Society also records the number of sea turtles feeding on jellyfish sighted in British and Irish waters.

A total of 12 sea turtles were spotted this year, including four leatherbacks and seven loggerheads.

Justine Millard, Head of Volunteering and Citizen Science at the Marine Conservation Society, said: “The data on jellyfish and turtles that volunteers submit plays a vital role in understanding the changes in our marine ecosystems and helping us protect our seas. “

“We urge anyone who has spotted a jellyfish or turtle to report it to us so we can continue to build insight into our oceans and the incredible life within them.”

Aside from jellyfish, the Marine Conservation Society also records the number of sea turtles feeding on jellyfish spotted in British and Irish waters. A total of 12 sea turtles were spotted this year, including four leatherbacks and seven loggerheads