A recent study by researchers at the University of Haifa (UH) has revealed that jellyfish are not merely passive drifters, as previously believed, but possess the ability to navigate and swim in specific directions. The findings, released on Wednesday, challenge the traditional view that jellyfish are solely at the mercy of ocean currents and waves.
The UH team tracked thousands of jellyfish in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, uncovering distinct swimming patterns that indicate purposeful movement rather than random drifting. According to the study, published in the journal Current Biology, jellyfish actively swim away from the coast and against the direction of surface gravity waves at a speed of approximately 10 centimeters per second. This behavior helps them avoid being stranded onshore and increases their survival chances.
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The research highlights the significance of active navigation among jellyfish, suggesting that in areas with strong tidal currents, these creatures may swim against the current to prevent being washed ashore. Despite their efforts, many jellyfish still end up on land due to the combined effects of their swimming and prevailing ocean conditions.
The study’s insights could have important implications for coastal facilities like power stations and desalination plants, which are often disrupted by jellyfish blooms. By better understanding jellyfish movement, these facilities could take preemptive measures to minimize the impact of jellyfish influxes.