Jellyfish Polyp Bait-Trap

As coastal or nearshore environments experience rising sea levels, warming and acidification in addition to pollution from upland watersheds, coastal cities, and industrial development, ecosystems are significantly impacted. While this is happening on a global scale, monitoring as well as solutions and mitigations need to be enacted at the local level. Bioindicators of nutrient pollution or socially disturbed coastal environments can provide essential information to help with designing mitigation and restoration practices. Jellyfish populations are one such bioindicator, and reliable monitoring of these populations can help with these mitigation efforts.

 

Researchers at Arizona State University, along with collaborators at the University of South Florida, Tohoku University in Japan, and Auburn University, have developed a sampling device to test substrate preference of jellyfish polyps and facilitate polyp collection. The substrates are configured to support surfaces for jellyfish settlement. As jellyfish polyps approach the device, they will settle on the surfaces they prefer and be available for observation and sampling.

 

This sampling device may enable critical research of jellyfish as low-cost bioindicators useful for coastal zone management practices.

 

Potential Applications

Benefits and Advantages