Strange masses that look like … jellies appear in Lakes, Rivers and Lagnats of the United States, causing concern to bathers and boats moving in inland waters.
Many are even fearing that they are giant marine parasites.
The weird, translucent bodies have some call “cursed jellies”, “mutated brains” and “science fiction nightmares” as they multiply in more and more US areas this summer.
Although their size can reach that of a …. human brain, US Wildlife Protection Services assure that there is no cause for concern.
According to the US Marine Life and Wildlife (USFWS), they are colonies of tiny organisms that form an impressive, vibrant body called “Bruges”.
Its scientific name is pectinatella magnifica.
They were recently found in areas such as the northwestern coast of the US, with a typical example being the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge in Washington, but the phenomenon is not new – the Bryozo colonies are quite common in other areas, such as the major area of the large lakes, the east.
On August 17, the USFWS also posted a photo of a large sample of the organization found on Lake Huron, near Michigan, reminding the public that despite their strange appearance, these are not dangerous organizations.
Harmless and useful to the environment
Unlike other organizations, Bryozo colonies do not carry viruses and are completely harmless to humans, the competent services say.
Indeed, as USFWS reports, these organizations play a positive role in the ecosystem as they help clean the water.
Visible in the summer, ‘sleeping’ in winter
The colonies become more visible towards the end of summer or early autumn, as they grow long enough to look easily on the surface of the water.
In autumn, they create tiny seed -like structures, which are sinking to the bottom to survive during the winter.
In the spring they create new colonies.
Experts point out that these small “life capsules” can withstand the cold, drought, and even time, thanks to their hard outer housing that protects them until environmental conditions are improved.
Ancient miracles of nature
It is worth noting that Brussels are organisms with a history of hundreds of millions of years.
As scientists point out, the kind of pectinatella magnifica, which is the most common in the US, has been around for 480 million years, essentially an ancient “cleaner” of waters.
The colonies can become quite large – even over 30 cm in diameter – forming the massive gelatinous masses this year’s bathers and visitors see in lakes and rivers.
How are they transported
Scientists believe that Brussels are transported in various ways: either in bird stomachs such as ducks and geese, or having been invited to fish or plants transported by humans.
What to do if you see them
Environmental services in states such as Ohio and Missouri have repeatedly emphasized through social media: “If you see Brussels, leave them quiet – they make work useful for the environment.”
If a sample is found glued to a boat or pier, experts recommend great care.
“If you look at Brungozo stuck in your boat or near the mole, do not remove it unless it is absolutely necessary. And if you do, scrape it very carefully so as not to harm the organisms, “says the Missouri Nature Conservation Department.
Source: Skai
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