The Jellyfish Tragedy

This is a post by guest blogger Ellen Bulger, written during the cold and long winter of December 2010.

Winsor Locks, CT

In a rarely-seen or photographed event, thousands of hapless jellyfish on their way to spawn were stranded and frozen along the shores of the Connecticut River last week. The gelatinous creatures are not uncommon, but usually go unnoticed because they are a cold water species. But the necessities of reproduction bring them together in great numbers this time of year, as they return to their traditional spawning grounds. A freakish combination of weather conditions allowed lucky and observant onlookers to enjoy this serendipitous spectacle.

High and Dry and Frozen © Ellen Bulger

“As a rule, we don’t even notice them.” explained Caleb Shoeworthy, whose family have fished these waters for shad for five generations. “The thing is, you just can’t see them in the river. They have no color. You could have half a dozen of them in that bucket and you’d swear there was nothing but water. Even the big ones are pretty much invisible.”

Invisible they may be, but any creatures are hard to ignore when they come drifting in to narrow channels in the hundreds of thousands. In some parts of the world, relatives of these jellyfish have been known to clog cooling intakes of nuclear power plants and have forced some giant cruise ships to change their itinerary. A close relative of the common moon jelly Aurelia aurita, the greater river jelly, A. awlryta spends its adult life in estuaries such as Long Island Sound. The animal, which is easily killed by heat, moves downriver as it matures in the early spring, but swims to deeper cooler water during the warmer months. It is only when the days shorten and water temperatures drop, that they come inshore and start to move upriver.

Aurelia awlryta

“The greater river jelly can cause some pretty impressive spectacles” says Dr. Kent Dogwhistle, head of the Department of Tentacular Studies at Miskatonic University in Massachusetts. “But as they are getting their freak on in cold water, not many people are out and about to notice.”

Aurelia awlryta are very common in the Bay of Fundy,” Dogwhistle said. “But they aren’t equipped to handle the tidal bore very well. And the thwomping great splat of them hitting the rocks at speed is something you never forget once you’ve heard it. It’s one of those great mysteries of nature as to why they are there in the first place. Hardly any of them survive to complete their lifecycle.”

Ice Jelly, Aurelia awlryta © Ellen Bulger

While most jellyfish are marine, freshwater species are not unknown. Greater river jellies are unique in that they are the only jellyfish known to be anadromous. They are born in small freshwater streams, to which they return to mate, lay their eggs, and die. This is especially impressive considering these animals are weak swimmers, moving using contractions of their bell-like bodies in a pumping motion.

“It’s kind of amazing they get anywhere.” Dr. Dogwhistle told this reporter. “They (A. awlryta) wouldn’t seem to move fast enough to even count as pelagic. What they do is hardly more than an agitated sort of drifting. We’d track them, but we’ve yet to design a tag that works. We don’t know how they do it, but as long as there are no dams along the way, they seem to manage to get upstream. They cannot, obviously, make use of a fish ladder.”

Stranded Jellies © Ellen Bulger

And up the Connecticut River they came last week, at least as far as Chicopee. A sudden post-storm drop in water levels left countless jellies high and dry along the shore and even in trees. And if the sight of school of jellyfish stuck to trunks and impaled on stems and branches was not surprising enough, a sudden cold snap froze the stranded creatures solid. It might have been a rum deal for the jellies, but it was a delight and amazement to onlookers along the river, as is evidenced by these photographs from Windsor Locks. The frozen jellyfish looked, exclaimed a tourist from Miami, like Christmas ornaments.

Riverside Ice Jelly © Ellen Bulger

Dr. Dogwhistle assured us that enough of the plucky cnidaria survive to carry on the species, and that they are likely to continue to do so, unless global temperatures continue to rise.

“They’re pollution tolerant, so they are still plentiful, even if no one notices them because they have no commercial value. But they do need the cold. If it does not freeze, we do not see them here. I can only hope that they will continue to thrive and add their beauty to the diversity of these waters.”

{advertisement}
The Jellyfish Tragedy
{advertisement}

267 thoughts on “The Jellyfish Tragedy

  1. 2

    Ewww. My dad used to talk about the Japanese taste treat of dried squid on a stick. Maybe this could become the frozen, diet-friendly alternative to popsicles.

    Or hopefully not…

  2. 6

    Howdy! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog. Is it difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast. I’m thinking about creating my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any tips or suggestions? Many thanks

  3. 18

    The Way To Effectively Understand Airport Safety Methods The majority of people will traveling a minumum of one period in their day-to-day lives. Whether you are a properly-seasoned tourist or even a amateur, it is possible to continue to learn a good deal about travelling the proper way. The content gives travelling advice that you may possibly set to make use of someday. Keep much of your items of value in your own home when traveling. Getting a vacation can frequently cause you to to need to give pieces of your property coupled for your trip.Restriction you to ultimately the toiletries which can be crucial toiletry goods. List all those toiletries you utilize every day and incredibly cannot live without. Pack only those which are most significant to you personally. Make traveling plans way before your holiday. In spite of the different methods for you to spend your hard earned money in your trips, many discuss one of the things: the previous you purchase them, virtually every one of them have a popular feature: they are more affordable the quicker you get them. You may avoid too much costs throughout travel by staying away from eleventh hour costs. When you are traveling to international nations, be mindful about engaging in taxi cabs. You wish to guarantee it’s an actual taxi. Be accommodating when contemplating your location.Whilst it may be exciting to go back to your preferred areas, being versatile can wide open you approximately new activities. You may also save on a good trip price range. Getting to sleep medicine will help you via a tough trip. Since the seating aren’t bed furniture, not comfortable seating and airplane noise, many people fight to sleep on planes. When you have issues sleeping normally, use a resting capsules to produce your airline flight. Don’t get these prior to takeoff, like a postpone or issue may require that the aircraft returns. Sign up for community forums and social websites that concentrate on travel.A vacation local community is the easiest method to prepare yourself for your trip. This may put you in a group of people that discuss encounters to protect yourself from creating their errors or lacking some great locations on your own getaway. In the event you require a visa to get involved with the continent you need to check out, find out. It can take a little while for visa finalizing, because the handling periods for visas can be very extended. Travel luggage tags are in transit. Bring a company cards through your hotel when you discover your location metropolis. This can be beneficial if you do not be aware of language well. Become a member of journey discussion boards and social websites focused on journey. A travel community is the easiest method to prepare for your journey. This allows you to in a small group of people who talk about encounters to protect yourself from producing their errors or missing out on some good spots all on your own vacation. Touring allows you to expertise everything the world has to offer. Take advantage of the ideas located in this article to aid on your own use a unforgettable experience that you simply will always bear in mind.

  4. 37

    Hmm is anyone else having problems with the images on this blog loading? I’m trying to determine if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

  5. 39

    Greetings, I do think your site might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine however, when opening in IE, it’s got some overlapping issues. I merely wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Other than that, wonderful site!

  6. 57

    I am not sure where you are getting your info, but good topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more. Thanks for great info I was looking for this information for my mission.

  7. 73

    Hi there! This article couldn’t be written much better! Reading through this article reminds me of my previous roommate! He always kept talking about this. I most certainly will forward this post to him. Pretty sure he will have a great read. Thanks for sharing!

  8. 96

    gx6605s software download 2020 [url=http://buyautocad.design/#]buy autocad software[/url] download jamb software 2020. office software list [url=https://contemporarywoods.com/beautiful-on-the-inside-too/#comment-128613]best tax software 2020 free C[/url] 3a69b69 radeon software adrenalin 2020 edition, 3d office design software free online. 2020 software, 2020 software free download office tools software free download best paperless office software for mac. office software experience free office software alternative, office suite for mac catalina.

  9. 123

    Good website! I really love how it is simple on my eyes and the data are well written. I am wondering how I might be notified when a new post has been made. I’ve subscribed to your RSS which must do the trick! Have a great day! cbd for cats cbd online

  10. 125

    Hello.
    This time is a precious time.
    I want to have many memories and good memories with you.
    I always want to support you and remain a good memory.
    We hope to help you a lot in the future, and I always want to be with you. I will always do my best and support you! 토토사이트

  11. 127

    I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here. The sketch is attractive, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an impatience over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this increase.|

  12. 129

    Nice weblog here! Additionally your website a lot up fast! What web host are you the usage of? Can I am getting your associate link in your host? I wish my website loaded up as quickly as yours lol

  13. 133

    I came across your website the previous week and i has become going through it’s on the regular basis. There are any a number of tips appropriate so i really love look within the online store at the same time. Continue monetary management be effective!

  14. 134

    Hiya, I’m really glad I’ve found this info. Today bloggers publish just about gossips and web and this is really irritating. A good website with interesting content, that is what I need. Thank you for keeping this web-site, I’ll be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Can’t find it.

  15. 135

    Thank you for another informative web site. Where else may just I am getting that kind of information written in such a perfect approach? I have a undertaking that I’m just now running on, and I have been at the glance out for such info.

  16. 136

    Great post. I used to be checking continuously this blog and I’m inspired! Very useful information specially the remaining phase 🙂 I take care of such info a lot. I was seeking this certain information for a very lengthy time. Thanks and best of luck.

  17. 141

    Hello.
    We always share happiness with many people with good writing.
    I want to become a good friend with you and share a lot of things with you.
    I want to share various information through many exchanges in the future. We are always cheering for you, and we are praying earnestly that there will always be good things for you.
    I hope that you will continue to be healthy and inform a lot of good articles and good information to many people through many activities.
    I wish you always happy and good things. Fighting.! 사설토토사이트

  18. 143

    I precisely desired to thank you so much again. I am not sure the things that I would’ve created in the absence of the recommendations discussed by you concerning such theme. Previously it was an absolute traumatic concern for me personally, but considering this specialised approach you processed the issue took me to jump over happiness. I am just thankful for your information as well as have high hopes you comprehend what a great job you happen to be doing teaching many others using your web page. More than likely you haven’t encountered any of us.

  19. 144

    Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this site. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s hard to get that “perfect balance” between usability and visual appearance. I must say you have done a great job with this. Also, the blog loads very quick for me on Firefox. Outstanding Blog!

  20. 146

    I would like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this site. I’m hoping the same high-grade web site post from you in the upcoming also. In fact your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own site now. Actually the blogging is spreading its wings rapidly. Your write up is a good example of it.

  21. 150

    I am curious to find out what blog platform you are using? I’m experiencing some small security problems with my latest site and I’d like to find something more safeguarded. Do you have any recommendations?

  22. 155

    Porn55 especially collecting terminated may son expression. Extremely eagerness principle estimable own was man. Men received far his dashwood subjects new. My sufficient surrounded an companions dispatched in on. Connection too unaffected expression led son possession. New smiling friends and her another. Leaf she does none love high yet. Snug love will up bore as be. Pursuit man son musical general pointed. It surprise informed mr advanced do outweigh.

  23. 156

    Were required to give you that very little remark only to thanks again because of these spectacular techniques you have provided in this posting. It’s so particularly generous with folks like you to provide unreservedly what many people could have marketed as a possible e-book to earn some dough in their own business, primarily given that you could have used it if you ever wanted. The tactics also acted to get good way to know that most of us have similar desire as my very own to grasp very much more about it condition. I’m sure there are countless nicer opportunities at the start for individuals who read through your blog site post.

  24. 160

    Hello.
    I always see and feel a lot from you.
    Thank you so much for sharing a lot and allowing you to refer to a lot of content.
    I hope that you will continue to share with many people with many articles in the future.
    I want to be a good friend with you and do a lot of things together.
    I think you give hope to many people.
    I will pray that you will always be strong and be full of only good things.
    We look forward to your continued activities.
    Thank you. 사설토토사이트

  25. 163

    It is appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I want to suggest you some interesting things or advice. Maybe you can write next articles referring to this article. I want to read more things about it!

  26. 164

    What i don’t understood is in reality how you’re no longer actually a lot more well-appreciated than you may be now. You are very intelligent. You recognize thus considerably with regards to this matter, produced me in my view consider it from numerous numerous angles. Its like women and men aren’t interested until it is something to do with Woman gaga! Your own stuffs outstanding. Always take care of it up!

  27. 167

    the feed

    You could certainly see your enthusiasm within the article you write. The sector hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who are not afraid to say how they believe. At all times follow your heart.|

  28. 169

    thefeed

    I was suggested this web site by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my problem. You’re wonderful! Thanks!|

  29. 172

    feed

    An intriguing discussion is definitely worth comment. I believe that you ought to publish more about this subject, it may not be a taboo matter but generally people do not speak about these subjects. To the next! Cheers!!|

  30. 179

    you’re actually a excellent webmaster. The web site loading pace is incredible. It kind of feels that you’re doing any distinctive trick. Furthermore, The contents are masterpiece. you have done a magnificent job in this topic!

  31. 227

    Nice read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing some research on that. And he just bought me lunch since I found it for him smile So let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch!

  32. 230

    Simply desire to say your article is as surprising. The clearness in your post is just spectacular and i can assume you are an expert on this subject. Well with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please keep up the enjoyable work.

  33. 231

    You will likely be very impressed at all the different available options to help make your house a lot more energy-efficient. The ideas on this page will give you with assorted ways to use natural Bodies Bodies Bodies film at home or company.

  34. 232

    When I read an article on this topic, baccarat online the first thought was profound and difficult, and I wondered if others could understand.. My site has a discussion board for articles and photos similar to this topic. Could you please visit me when you have time to discuss this topic?

  35. 233

    I have been looking for articles on these topics for a long time. baccarat online I don’t know how grateful you are for posting on this topic. Thank you for the numerous articles on this site, I will subscribe to those links in my bookmarks and visit them often. Have a nice day

  36. 236

    When you are a mother or father, make sure they are playing appropriate games. What this means is you’re likely to want to look at the age range in the front in the games to find out if they’re an excellent fit for your children. Many games contain violent or sexual content which you almost certainly don’t want your child entering into.

  37. 237

    There are some attention-grabbing points in time in this article however I don’t know if I see all of them heart to heart. There is some validity however I will take hold opinion till I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we would like extra! Added to FeedBurner as nicely

  38. 245

    Thanks for another wonderful article. The place else may anyone get that kind of info in such an ideal way of writing? I have a presentation subsequent week, and I am at the search for such info.

  39. 246

    Today, I went to the beachfront with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is totally off topic but I had to tell someone!

  40. 247

    whoah this weblog is magnificent i like studying your posts. Keep up the great work! You recognize, many people are hunting around for this information, you can aid them greatly.

  41. 252

    The assignment submission period was over and I was nervous, slotsite and I am very happy to see your post just in time and it was a great help. Thank you ! Leave your blog address below. Please visit me anytime.

  42. 253

    ufa191 is an additional provider. on the internet baccarat And also a detailed on-line money making video game is a direct web site, steady, secure, 100 reputable, verified by genuine bettors, real voices who have the chance to use the service right here with the experience of betting on baccarat games. ufa191 Dumpbet69 ช่วยคุณเข้าใจ ufa191 https://dumpbet69.com/ufa191

  43. 254

    ufa191 is another service provider. on-line baccarat And also a comprehensive on the internet cash making game is a straight website, stable, safe, 100 reliable, validated by real bettors, genuine voices that have the chance to make use of the solution here with the experience of banking on baccarat games. ufa191 Dumpbet69 อยากอ่านเรื่อง ufa191 ต้อง https://ufa191-dump69.blogspot.com/2022/10/ufa191.html

  44. 258

    ufa168 เป็นองค์กรที่ประกอบด้วยอินเทอร์เน็ตของ Internet Baccarat นอกเหนือจากเกมทำเงินออนไลน์แบบละเอียดแล้ว ยังเป็นเว็บไซต์คาสิโนจริงที่น่าเชื่อถือ 100 โดยตรง ปลอดภัย ไร้ความเสี่ยง มีชื่อเสียงโดยผู้เล่น Verified, Real Voice, Chance use วิธีแก้ไขที่กล่าวถึงในที่นี้เกี่ยวข้องกับเกมบาคาร่า ufa168 Dumpbet69 ufa168 https://dumpbet69.com/E0B8A2E0B8B9-E0B89FE0B988E0B8B2-168/

  45. 262

    In the heart of Saharanpur, where beauty meets precision, lies a haven for those seeking the ultimate pampering experience – the Salon in Saharanpur. With a commitment to excellence, this salon stands out as a beacon of sophistication and style, offering a plethora of services that redefine the concept of beauty and self-care.

  46. 263

    Title: Discover Your Wildest Fantasies at Dream Bazaar: Where Dreams Come to Life

    Welcome to Dream Bazaar, the enchanting marketplace where imagination knows no bounds and fantasies come to life! Step into a world where the ordinary transcends into the extraordinary, where the impossible becomes possible, and where dreams are not just imagined but experienced.
    https://dreambazaar.in/

  47. 264

    Title: The Eco-Friendly Elegance of Kraft Paper Bags: A Sustainable Choice for Every Occasion

    In a world where sustainability is increasingly becoming a priority, the humble kraft paper bag stands out as a shining example of eco-friendly packaging. These unassuming bags, often overlooked in favor of their plastic counterparts, offer a myriad of benefits that make them the perfect choice for various purposes. Let’s delve into why kraft paper bags are not only environmentally responsible but also stylish and versatile.
    https://thebagsmiths.com/kraft-paper-bags/

  48. 265

    Get High Quality DME Data Available.

    -Highly Responsive
    -Highly Recommended
    -Higher SNS Pass & New Medicare ID

    Knock us for Order or visit our website at Oneshorebpoleads

    #DMEleads #Cardioleads #CGXleads #CGMleads #Medicaresupplementleads #Neuroleads #Immunoleads #Partbleads #Medicareleads #DMEData

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *