Sea Nettles: A Love Story

Over the past decade in Ocean County, NJ residents as well as tourists have noticed an increased population of sea nettles, or stinging jellyfish, within the Barnegat Bay. Although no scientific evidence can prove a definite population increase, there are several hypotheses as to why jellyfish numbers would be growing. Ideal temperature and salinity as well as plenty of food (mostly zooplankton) and very few predators in the bay create a perfect habitat for sea nettle survival. Another possible reason for an "explosion" in the jellyfish population is the unique life cycle of this animal. This video depicts the reproduction of the Atlantic Sea Nettle in the Barnegat Bay.

For more information about the possible causes of sea nettle population increases in the Barnegat Bay, as well as how to prevent or treat a jellyfish sting, please visit the Barnegat Bay Partnership's website at BBP.OCEAN.EDU