The mystery of the jellyfish in the Gulf of Trieste: a phenomenon lasting 150 years
The Gulf of Trieste has long been at the center of a very particular natural phenomenon: the constant presence of large quantities of jellyfish. According to historical data, this event is not recent, but has very deep roots in time.
The first official scientific report regarding the presence of the so-called "barrel jellyfish" (Rhizostoma pulmo) in these waters dates back as far as 1875. Since that moment, the population of these marine organisms has been monitored regularly by local experts.
Despite almost 150 years having passed since the first documentation, scientists have still not found a definitive explanation for this phenomenon. The reasons why the Gulf of Trieste has become such a welcoming habitat for these species remain, for the most part, a scientific mystery.
Researchers continue to observe the behavior of the jellyfish to better understand how environmental changes can influence their presence. Research remains active to clarify whether climatic or biological factors play a decisive role in this historic coexistence between the city and its marine inhabitants.