Alaskans will see increased jellyfish sightings

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — The number of moon jellyfish floating in Alaska waters has increased and residents should be prepared, scientists said.

Warm ocean temperatures and plentiful food in the form of zooplankton have contributed to the increased sightings, the Juneau Empire reported Friday.

The moon jellyfish, also known as Aurelia aurita, released sperm and eggs freely into the water during spring spawning season, said Sherry Tamone, a professor of marine biology at the University of Alaska Southeast. The jellyfish fertilized independent of the parent jellyfish and have now reached maturity....