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22.11.2006

Baltic news

New comb jelly can threaten fisheries

The North American comb jelly Mnemiopsis has been sighted in the seas surrounding Sweden during the autumn of 2006. Marine biologists have observed Mnemiopsis in the Koster fjord in northern Bohuslän, in western Sweden. In the southern Baltic, researchers have found an number of the American comb jelly. After its spread to the Black Sea in the 1980's, it caused great problems for fisheries. There is now concern that the comb jelly will become established in Swedish waters.

During September – October, Hans G. Hansson at the Tjärnö Marin Biological Laboratory observed about 10 examples of the American comb jelly. During October, German researchers have found the comb jelly in the Kiel Bay. Mnemiopsis has been observed from yet another place in northern Europe.

 

For more information please contact

Hans G. Hansson

Tjärnö Marine Biological Laboratory, University of Gothenburg

Hans.G.Hansson@tmbl.gu.se

 

An extract from a press release from Tjärnö Marine Biological Laboratory written by Martin Larsvik, November 15, 2006

(University of Gothenburg)