Jellyfish Day today, but there's no sting in this tale

Today is World Jellyfish Day, but, funnily enough, there is no sting in this tale - it's just a day to celebrate marine life. World Jellyfish Day is celebrated internationally on Nov 3 to raise awareness about the ecological importance of these unique creatures.

Around 30 species of jellyfish can be found in Pakistan's coastline - from the creeks of Sindh to the Kalamat coastal area of Balochistan. With an umbrella-shaped body and multiple tentacles, jellyfish thrive in diverse marine environments. Experts have recorded a sizeable increase in jellyfish populations globally, attributing it to climate change and the decline of fish species that feed on them. Muhammad Moazzam Khan, Technical Adviser for the World Bank in Pakistan, told The Express Tribune that jellyfish hunting has become an important industry since it started in 2003, with annual exports now soaring to 3,000 tons.

The jellyfish, which consists of about 95% water, lacks bones, brains, hearts, and eyes. Although they don't have a brain, still they are extremely intelligent in nature. Experts say that jellyfish have existed on the Earth for millions of years - even before dinosaurs. While their weight is generally low, some species in Pakistan can weigh between one and one and a half kilogramme. Khan said that there was a need to recognise jellyfish as integral to marine ecosystems. A WWF-led research initiative in Pakistan aims to expand the jellyfish industry and investigate the factors contributing to their rising population, he added. Fishermen prepare jellyfish for export by salting and drying them before sending them to markets in China.

Though many jellyfish species are toxic, there have been no recorded fatal incidents from jellyfish stings in Pakistan. Still, experts warn direct contact with these fascinating creatures in the sea. Jellyfish play an important role in the marine food web, serving as a primary food source for sea turtles. Their lifecycle begins as larvae that drift in the open ocean before settling onto solid substrates, marking the start of their development into adult jellyfish. World Jellyfish Day serves as a reminder of the importance of these unique marine creatures and the need for sustainable practices in jellyfish harvesting to ensure the health of marine ecosystems.