Jellyfish Invasion Disrupts Tourism and Fishing in Morocco’s Assilah Coast

A major blow to tourism activity. While Assilah is counting on the summer season to benefit from the economic momentum, vacationers are facing an invasion of jellyfish on the beaches of Assilah and are forced to leave, reports Al Akhbar. Some have chosen to interrupt their holidays, while others have opted for a change of destination. Yet, bathers are not at risk, as these jellyfish "do not pose a health risk to bathers". However, they are capable of attracting insects that can be harmful.

In addition to vacationers and tourism professionals, fishermen are also affected by the phenomenon. The large-scale discharge of these jellyfish by the sea is undermining their activity. Jellyfish are capable of driving away fish, while also influencing the process of oxygen storage in seawater.

The invasion of jellyfish at this time is not surprising. According to sources in the newspaper, their presence in the Mediterranean is rather natural at this time. They also justify their presence by the significant maritime traffic generated by the port of Tanger Med. Under certain hypotheses, it is indicated that the jellyfish "tend to cling to ships, thus crossing long distances before being stranded in large quantities on the shores". This is how they develop rapidly in areas where they are not necessarily used to being present.