Residents Urged to Report Jellyfish Sightings in Madeira

Residents and visitors of Madeira are being urged to participate in a crucial environmental effort by reporting sightings of jellyfish, particularly the Portuguese Man o' War, to the GelAvista project managed by the Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera (IPMA).

The Portuguese Man o' War, known scientifically as Physalia physalis, is often mistaken for a jellyfish but is actually a siphonophore, a colonial organism made up of individual animals working together. These creatures are frequently spotted in the waters around Madeira and can be identified by their balloon-like float.

Recently, a significant swarm of these creatures was observed at Porto Santo beach, turning the waters dark with their numbers. Despite the magnitude of this event, it was not reported via the GelAvista app. The IPMA received the information through email, highlighting the need for more proactive use of the app.

The GelAvista project plays an essential role in monitoring the presence of gelatinous species in Portuguese waters. By reporting sightings, locals and tourists can contribute to scientific research and the development of strategies to manage and protect marine biodiversity.

Antonina da Costa, coordinator of the GelAvista program, emphasized the importance of public involvement in this project. She noted that while email reports are helpful, using the dedicated app ensures data is captured more efficiently and contributes to a comprehensive database.

To report a sighting, individuals can download the GelAvista app, which provides a user-friendly interface to log sightings, including the location, time, and number of organisms observed. This data is invaluable for scientists studying the effects of climate change and human activity on marine life.

dnoticias.pt

dnoticias.pt