JBS-03 The biology and ecology of polyps and their role in jellyfish population dynamics

 

Many bloom-forming jellyfish are members of the Scyphozoa with bentho‐pelagic life cycles consisting of a sexually reproducing medusa and asexually reproducing polyp. Polyps propagate asexually and produce and release great numbers of ephyrae back to the pelagic realm leading to population pulses that can sometimes result in the so-called jellyfish blooms. Therefore, the perennial benthic life stage plays a critical role in population dynamics of these species. Understanding how environmental variables affect the distribution, survival and reproductive growth of benthic polyps and to what degree this manifests itself in the formation and maintenance of jellyfish outbreaks, whether cyclic or in response to climate change, is essential for our ability to predict and manage potential jellyfish bloom events. However, the study of the life history of these species is still in the infancy. Indeed, roughly one quarter of Scyphozoa life cycles is described and, among them, the main ecological features of the benthic phases are still ignored. Intensive research on life cycles and the role of benthic stages in the ecosystem is needed.

 

Chairs:

Cathy Lucas - National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton (UK)

Agustín Schiariti - Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero, CONICET (Argentina)