Spatiotemporal patterns of jellyfish distribution along the Maharashtra coast, India
Ashpel Mano, M.R.; Ramkumar, S.; Landge, A.T.; Abuthagir Iburahim, S.; Nikhil, K.; Angmo, S.; Ramteke, K.; Nayak, B.B.; Suryapraba, V. (2026). Spatiotemporal patterns of jellyfish distribution along the Maharashtra coast, India. Regional Studies in Marine Science 95: 104869. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2026.104869
In: Regional Studies in Marine Science. Elsevier: Amsterdam. ISSN 2352-4855, more
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| Authors | | Top |
- Ashpel Mano, M.R.
- Ramkumar, S.
- Landge, A.T.
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- Abuthagir Iburahim, S.
- Nikhil, K.
- Angmo, S.
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- Ramteke, K.
- Nayak, B.B.
- Suryapraba, V.
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| Abstract |
Jellyfish aggregations have substantial ecological, economic, and societal impacts, yet their spatiotemporal dynamics are poorly understood in tropical regions. The present study assessed the distribution patterns and seasonal occurrence of jellyfish aggregations along the coast of Maharashtra, India, through fortnightly sampling across eleven sites from October 2023 to September 2024. Sample collection methods included the use of zooplankton nets, fishing gear, onboard sampling, and scuba observations. A total of ten jellyfish taxa were recorded, of which six were identified to species level namely, Chiropsoides buitendijki (van der Horst, 1907), Liriope tetraphylla (Chamisso & Eysenhardt, 1821), Physalia physalis (Linnaeus, 1758), Pleurobrachia pileus (O. F. Müller, 1776), Rhopilema hispidum (Vanhöffen, 1888), and Tripedalia cystophora Conant, 1897. While four taxa, namely Aequorea sp., Blackfordia sp., Chrysaora sp., and Turritopsis sp., could only be resolved to the genus level. Chrysaora sp. (70 % of the sites) was the most widespread taxon, with species diversity peaking during the pre-monsoon season (90 % of the species), particularly in the Palghar district (80 %). Non-metric multidimensional scaling indicated similarities in species composition between Mumbai and Sindhudurg districts. Findings underscore the variability of jellyfish aggregations along Maharashtra’s coast, with implications for fisheries management and opportunities for commercial exploitation of R. hispidum. Continued monitoring and strategic management are vital for mitigating adverse effects and exploring economic potential. |
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