The hermaphroditic life history and high reproductive capabilities of Mnemiopsis allow rapid recolonization of the bay once conditions become favorable. In a year like 2007, which followed a Beroe invasion, Mnemiopsis did not become numerous until the beginning of August, which was comparatively late. It is possible that B. ouata consumed such a large amount of the potential over-wintering population that fewer individuals were left to repopulate the bay in 2007. Beroe ouata is not known to overwinter in Narragabsett Bay but does occasionally invade and establish during the summer from offshore, possibly via the Gulf Stream (Kremer and Nixon, 1976).