Swarming of jellyfish along Digha coastline sparks concern

A zoologist has expressed concern about the recent appearance of large numbers of jellyfish along the Digha coastline, suggesting it may indicate a significant anomaly in the deeper ocean.

- KANCHAN SIDDIQUI

"My initial thought was that the creatures had been carried to the shore by ocean currents, particularly during storms or tides, which might have pushed them towards the coastline near the Science Centre," said Subhas Chandra Dutta, headmaster of Kanchannagar D N Das Institution.

Jellyfish are unable to resist tidal currents and typically die quickly after being washed ashore. Mr Dutta stated, "They are considered bio-indicators, and their swarming on beaches strongly suggests disturbances in the sea, such as water heating, microplastic pollution, marine ecosystem degradation, anthropogenic disturbances, or even signs of an impending earthquake."