Ruptly
"Hundreds of jellyfish have washed ashore on Monday in the lagoon of Santa Maria Xadani, in Juchitan, Oaxaca state, creating concern among local residents and fishermen. Marine biologist Francisco Javier Lopez identified the species as the cannonball jellyfish, scientifically known as Stomolophus meleagris. “This species is very important in the Mexican Pacific because it is exported mainly to Asian market,” said Lopez. Experts say the jellyfish play an important role in the ecosystem, serving as a food source for sea turtles, especially olive ridley turtles common along the Oaxaca coast. “If the jellyfish population declines, it could also affect turtles, which depend on them for food,” he added. According to Lopez, sudden changes in water temperature, combined with strong southern winds and high tides, likely pushed the jellyfish into the lagoon where many became trapped and died. The massive accumulation of jellyfish is already impacting local fishermen, who say they have been unable to work for more than two weeks. "Right now there’s nothing but jellyfish,” noted Juan Luis Sanchez, a local fisherman. Although the dead jellyfish no longer pose a serious threat, experts warn that some living ones can still cause skin irritation if touched. Authorities and specialists are recommending the jellyfish be collected and removed to prevent foul odours and further environmental damage."
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