The impressive phenomenon has been observed for the last two years in Elounda.
And while we’ve all been talking about them lately purple and blue jellyfishnow tropical “migrants” are coming to our seas, who are none other than the so-called “Blue crabs”which have made for good their appearance on our beaches.
The impressive phenomenon has been observed for the last two years in Elounda, in Crete. These are marine species that fishermen can fish freely and in fact they are a highly exquisite meze, as, according to experts, they are expensive but so delicious … in the logic of lobster! However, according to the Hellenic Center for Marine Research, all invasive species, such as hares, need to be monitored, as they may multiply without limit, with their occurrence being observed in exacerbations from time to time.
The blue crab may be a species that may have come as a foreigner, but apparently acquires … Greek citizenship. It is called Callinectes sapidus, but most know it as a blue crab. It comes from the Atlantic and is common in America. It is well-traveled, as it was found on the coasts of Japan, the Baltic and Europe, while it also managed to come to the Mediterranean.
It started appearing in Greece in the early 50’s. After several years, after disappearing from the Greek seas, made his reappearance and now he does not say to leave … It frequents the seas of central and northern Greece, from Thermaikos and above, but it was observed even in the Ionian and Crete.
It is said to be an enemy of endemic species (it eats crabs, shellfish and small fish), but it also destroys fishermen’s nets. The latter, in fact, try to avoid the blue crabs, but if they catch them then they take advantage of it by selling them. In the delta of the river Pinios every year such a period (but mainly in the beginning until the middle of June) is observed a large number of such crabs. Blue crab meat has a mild, sweet taste and is of great nutritional value.
The phenomenon of migration of hare, lionfish and other species of fish to our country due to climate change is closely monitored by ELKETHE scientistsas “invader” species tend to dominate over other species.
Where do purple jellyfish frequent?
At the same time, purple jellyfish are evolving as a real threat to bathers on the country’s beaches this year. As the expertsHowever, the increase of their population is only the result, as the deeper causes of their population “outbreak” are many and unfortunately are directly related to the human factor. It is worth noting that initially the purple jellyfish first appeared in the Ionian regions, but now they are not missing from the seas of Crete.
According to her map inaturalist, their appearance in Crete has recently taken place in various parts from the west to the east coast. Specifically, they have been observed in the following areas: in the city of Chania, in Agios Apostolos, in Marathi, in Kounoupidiana of the prefecture of Chania, in Elafonissi of the prefecture of Chania, in Plakias and Agios Pavlos of Rethymno, in Agia Pelagia of the prefecture of Heraklion, in the city of Heraklion, in Kato Gouves of the prefecture of Heraklion, in Ierapetra, in Koutsounari of Lassithi, in Sitia, in Kyriamadi of Lassithi, in Xirokampos and Zakros of Lassithi, but also in Agios Nikolaos.
Threat or warning sign?
THE Research Director of the Institute of Marine Protection “Archipelagos”, Anastasia Miliou, stressed that there is indeed an increasing trend in the populations of purple jellyfish. However, he emphasizes that “This exaggeration and over-projection of the whole issue has nothing to do with reality. “Things are not much worse than last year or the year before last.”. In addition, according to Ms. Miliou, this population increase is due to the fact that in Greece we are over-fishing, as a result of which we disrupt the marine ecosystems.
“Urgent measures are needed”
“The State refuses to implement a framework for the protection of the seas … There is no measure to effectively address overfishing. We need immediate solutions and immediate measures without bureaucracies “emphasizes the Research Director of the Institute and continues: “We all have a share of responsibility for this situation, and we as consumers, and the State and the fishermen. Why, then, does it impress us that there are growing trends in certain species? Something similar happens in Crete with the hare “.
According to Anastasia Miliou, the phenomenon is seasonal, but this should not reassure us. “This increase is seasonal … the phenomenon will stop. But, if we do not take some measures, it will be a phenomenon that will increase year by year. The question that should interest us is: what measures should we take today in order not to have an upsurge tomorrow? We are the ones who influence our seas. It’s a reaction to our action. “
The growth of jellyfish – “If we had healthy seas with healthy populations of native species, we would not have this situation”
The jellyfish population outbreak is a result of the human element, according to Ms. Miliou. “The increase in the population of purple jellyfish is one of the many results due to what we cause in our seas. If we had healthy seas with healthy populations of native species, we would not have this situation. The goal is to see the cause, not the effect. Let’s look at the issue more seriously and less human-centered. “underlines, the director of Research of the “Archipelagos” Institute.
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