Our team at Merman Conservation Expeditions Ltd. recorded a striking jellyfish bloom yesterday afternoon in the Pagasetic Gulf. In the waters just off Milina, more than 30 mauve stingers (Pelagia noctiluca) were observed gathering approximately 20 meters from the beach, while swimmers were still enjoying the sea.

This local observation appears to be part of a wider bloom event that is now expanding beyond the Pagasetic Gulf toward northern Evia and parts of the Sporades. The density and behavior of the jellyfish suggest that this bloom may continue to spread in the coming days.

The mauve stinger is a well-known species in the Mediterranean, recognizable for its translucent body with pink or purple markings and its bioluminescent glow. Although small, it can deliver a painful sting and occasionally forms dense swarms that impact both swimmers and fisheries.

We will continue to monitor the bloom and provide updates as its extent becomes clearer. Events like this remind us how dynamic and unpredictable marine ecosystems can be, especially during the warmer months.
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Stay informed and stay mindful when entering the sea.

We are thrilled to announce that the popular Greek android app "Μέδουσες στην Έλλαδα" (Jellyfish in Greece) has officially transitioned to Merman Conservation Expeditions Ltd from BiodiversityGR. This marks a significant step forward in ensuring the app continues to deliver accurate and up-to-date information about jellyfish and similar marine species in Greece.

Why this matters?

The Jellyfish in Greece app has been a cornerstone for:

• Education: Helping the public identify jellyfish species and understand their role in marine ecosystems.
• Citizen Science: Empowering users to report jellyfish sightings, contributing valuable data to scientific research.
• Awareness: Providing insights into the potential risks of certain species and promoting safe practices at sea.

By transferring the app's management to Merman Conservation Expeditions Ltd, we are ensuring its continued functionality and enhancement, aligning with our mission to promote marine conservation and education.

What’s new?

Under Merman Conservation Expeditions Ltd, we aim to:

• Enhance features: Introduce new functionalities to improve user experience and engagement.
• Update information: Regularly update the app’s database with the latest scientific data on jellyfish and related species.
• Strengthen citizen science efforts: Provide tools for easier reporting and analysis of jellyfish sightings.
  
  

How you can help?

Your participation is vital to the success of this initiative. Here’s how you can contribute:

1. Download the App: If you haven’t already, download "Μέδουσες στην Έλλαδα" from the Google Play Store.
2. Report Sightings: Use the app to log jellyfish sightings in inaturalist and provide as much detail as possible.
3. Spread the Word: Share the app with friends and family to expand its reach and impact.

Acknowledgments

We extend our gratitude to BiodiversityGR and Taklis Christos for their efforts in developing and managing the app thus far. Their dedication has laid a strong foundation for us to build upon.

Together, let’s continue to explore, protect, and understand the incredible marine biodiversity of Greece. 
For more information about our projects and initiatives, visit Merman Conservation Expeditions Ltd.