The Canadian province of British Columbia is facing an increasing threat from an invasive species known as the peach blossom jellyfish. This jellyfish, native to China, has been spreading rapidly in the province’s freshwater bodies, causing alarm among scientists and environmentalists. With climate change expected to exacerbate the situation, the jellyfish’s proliferation poses a potential threat to local biodiversity and ecosystems.
The Spread of the Invasive Species
According to researchers at the University of British Columbia, the peach blossom jellyfish, also known as the invasive jellyfish, has been discovered in 34 locations across British Columbia. This marks the northernmost distribution of the species in North America. A recent study predicts that, with the expansion of the distribution area due to climate change, the frequency of peach blossom jellyfish sightings and the number of locations they inhabit will increase by the end of this decade.
Dr. Florian Lüskow, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of British Columbia’s Earth, Ocean, and Atmosphere Sciences (EOAS) department, conducted the research during his time as a postdoctoral fellow. He discussed the mysterious gelatinous creatures with Dr. Evgeny Pakhomov, a professor at EOAS and the Institute of Ocean and Fisheries (IOF).
Understanding the Invasive Jellyfish
Dr. Lüskow explained that the peach blossom jellyfish is an invasive species introduced from China. While the impact of these jellyfish on the ecosystems and biodiversity of Canada is still largely unknown, there is concern that they may displace local species, causing harm to the local ecosystem. With the help of citizen scientists in British Columbia, they are the only researchers in Canada investigating these jellyfish.
Since 1990, there have been reports of peach blossom jellyfish in British Columbia, primarily in the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, and the Sunshine Coast. Recently, they have also been found in inland areas such as Osoyoos Lake. Over the past 34 years, a total of 85 occurrences of the jellyfish have been recorded, with each location surveyed annually. However, in the past decade alone, it is predicted that there will be about 80 occurrences, and there may be more than the currently observed 34 locations.
It is known that out of the 100 jellyfish examined so far, all are male and composed of the same genetic material, indicating that the thousands of jellyfish are clones, originating from a single polyp – a stage of the jellyfish that lives at the bottom of the water body.
Climate Change and the Jellyfish’s Reproduction
Dr. Lüskow noted that British Columbia is the northernmost distribution of peach blossom jellyfish. These jellyfish rely on mild winters and high summer temperatures for reproduction, so they are not found in the prairies, where the winters are too cold.
Dr. Pakhomov added that if climate change leads to an increase in freshwater temperatures throughout British Columbia, there is a possibility of more widespread spread. Modeling shows that even Alaska’s reservoirs may be affected by the invasion. However, there is a glimmer of hope: so far, only genetically identical male jellyfish have been observed. This means that the jellyfish cannot complete sexual reproduction, and their adaptability to new environments will be limited. This will hinder their spread.
The Next Steps
Dr. Pakhomov emphasized that the two main priorities are to accurately map the actual distribution of peach blossom jellyfish in British Columbia, including the distribution range, and to better quantify the impact of peach blossom jellyfish on freshwater ecosystems (including young salmon).
Dr. Lüskow suggested using environmental DNA, a tool that can determine DNA in water samples, to achieve the first goal. This will allow them to detect the presence of jellyfish even when they cannot see the jellyfish polyp stage.
The researchers urge the public to report any sightings of peach blossom jellyfish. Observers can submit reports to iNaturalist, the BC Invasive Species Council, or the researchers themselves. This will help answer fundamental questions about the jellyfish and their impact on the ecosystems and species of British Columbia, allowing for more informed management recommendations to be made.
Views: 0