Clean Ocean Advocate, June 2009
The April creature feature was the sea nettle (Chrysaora quinquecirrha). Since 2000, the numbers of sea nettle have increased in New Jersey coastal bays. The increases in Barnegat Bay and in the Chesapeake Bay have been linked to excessive loadings of nutrients and organic matter from watershed to coastal areas. Human activities, including land disturbance and fertilizer application can increase these loadings to coastal waters. Warming waters are also likely contributing to their increased sea nettle populations. If stung, apply meat tenderizer to break down the proteins of the venom that cause the sting. Judge Mac Kerel thanks all who submitted guesses and congratulates the contest winner Jennifer Hordych of
Avon, NJ!
June's creature feature is known for jumping completely out of the water. Typically, it is an open ocean species but is also found along the coast if chasing prey species, such as menhaden schools into shallow water. Using its tail, it herds and stuns fish for food and eats menhaden, bluefish, mackerel, as well as squid. For a chance to win a COA T-shirt, submit your guess (one entry per person) to Judge Marlin White by mail or fax (18 Hartshorne Dr., Suite 2, Highlands, NJ 07732; 732-872-8041), or using the online form below. Winner to be announced in the April newsletter.
(Coastal Creature Feature appears every other month in the Clean Ocean Advocate.)
PLEASE NOTE: Please only complete and send the following online form ONCE. After clicking "Here's my guess," a new window will appear saying "Thank you for your input!" Your form has been submitted and received; please do not click "Here's my guess" or fill out the form again. The page will reload/refresh.
