« Tooth Tattoo | Home | Robot USB Drive Keychain »
‘N Sync Was Right About The Jellyfish
By nikkita | June 24, 2008
Over the past 8 years the jellyfish population has multiplied to an astonishing number. Apart from being mean, stingy, squishy animals, the jellyfish are a pretty strong reference to the state of the ocean’s ecosystem. The problem? More jelly fish means less other animals.
Data collected from over two centuries indicate that jellyfish populations expand over 12-year cycles, remaining stable for four to six years, and then decline. However, 2008 marks the eight consecutive year that jellyfish numbers continue to increase, thanks to warmer waters and the anthropogenic elimination of marine predators (such as turtles, sharks and tuna) through overfishing.
Not only are there less predators to keep them in check, there are also less fish to compete with for food.
This brings me back to that episode of The Simpsons where the young Springfield boy band, the Party Posse, are visited by the always dancing N’ SYNC. While the episode took a stab at the Navy and unlawful hypnotic recruitment, N’ SYNC featured a disclaimer at the end claiming the Navy is important since they protect us from Godzilla and jellyfish (those whack invertebrates will sting you…old school!). My God, they were right. The jellyfish were a problem!
Between all those potential jellyfish stings and sun poisoning, I think I’ll just stay inside this summer.
Topics: Environment | No Comments »
Comments
You must be logged in to post a comment.