Human-induced stresses of overfishing, eutrophication,climate change, translocation and habitat modification
appear to be promoting jellyfish (pelagic cnidarian andctenophore) blooms to the detriment of other marine organisms.
Mounting evidence suggests that the structure of pelagic ecosystems can change rapidly from one that is dominated by fish (that keep jellyfish in check through competition or predation) to a less desirable gelatinous state, with lasting ecological, economic and social consequences.
Management actions needed tostop such changes require tactical coping strategies and longer-term preventative responses based on fundamental and targeted research on this understudied group.