The National Institute of Fisheries Science warned on the 5th that the subtropical small jellyfish, the blue umbrella jellyfish, is also appearing in large numbers along the southern coast and eastern coast. This jellyfish is mildly toxic but can cause allergic reactions or contact dermatitis upon contact.
According to the National Institute of Fisheries Science, the blue umbrella jellyfish, first observed in the waters off Jeju on the 17th of last month, has recently been discovered along the southern coast and eastern coast, including Busan and Gyeongnam. Although there was a large appearance of this jellyfish in the waters around Jeju in October 2021, this is the first time it has been heavily influxed into the southern and eastern coasts this year.
The National Institute of Fisheries Science identified the recent rise in water temperatures due to climate change and the strong influence of the Tsushima Current as the causes of the expansion of the blue umbrella jellyfish. Since the jellyfish moves with the currents and winds, there is a possibility it could spread as far as the coast of Gangwon by this weekend.
Choi Yong-seok, the head of the National Institute of Fisheries Science, said, "The large appearance of subtropical jellyfish is becoming more frequent due to recent climate change," and added, "As concerns about sting incidents among summer beachgoers and fishermen are growing, I hope local governments and related organizations will actively cooperate for prompt removal efforts."