Giant Jellyfish Capsize 10-Ton Fishing Boat

Dozens of giant Nomura jellyfish along the eastern coast of Japan capsized the 10-ton fishing trawler, known as the Diasan Shinsho-maru.

According to news sources, the incident occurred when three fishermen attempted to haul in a net containing dozens of these enormous jellyfish, which weigh as much as 440 pounds and can grow up to 6 feet in diameter.

All of the men were thrown into the sea, but were soon rescued by another trawler. The local Coast Guard indicated that the weather was clear and the sea was calm at the time of the incident.

For the last few months, Japanese waters have been infested with these enormous jellyfish. Marine biologists believe their breeding has been abetted and accelerated by the water and weather conditions.

Another contributing factor to the increase of jellyfish may well be a decline in the number of predators, which include sea turtles and certain species of fish.

Whatever be the case, the crew on board the trawler had been fishing for Nomura’s jellyfish, but found a lot more than they expected.

Little is actually known about these jellyfish, which are among the largest in the world. Some four years ago, these enormous sea creatures invaded Japanese waters. They did great damage to nets and rendered many fish inedible due to the toxicity of their stings, which also injured fishermen.

Oddly, some years are worse than others in terms of Nomura infestation. Last year, for example, there were virtually no sightings, and in 2007 there were more than 15,000 reports of damage to fishing equipment caused by these creatures floating in enormous hordes across the Sea of Japan on the Tsushima Current.

Nomura jellyfish are very difficult to get rid of as they release millions of offspring into the water when they are attacked or killed. The recent infestation has been described as a “jellyfish typhoon.” Their presence puts Japan’s fishing industry at serious risk.

“No more, Nomura” is the battle cry, but the war rages on between the forces of nature and industrialization.

Who will win the conflict?

Only time will tell.

(Link)

By MDeeDubroff on 19-11-2009