The invasion of the barrel jellyfish continues and readers have been sending in their pictures in their droves.

Last year hundreds of the jellyfish - which have a very mild sting despite their size - were spotted along the Dorset coast.

See lots more pictures of barrel jellyfish washed up so far this year in a gallery 

So far this year, barrel jellyfish have been spotted at Alum Chine, Baiter, Branksome Chine, Highcliffe and by Bournemouth Pier. 

Dr Peter Richardson, biodiversity and fisheries programme manager at the Marine Conservation Society, said recently that results from their national jellyfish survey show that this is another big year for the creatures in our region.

He also said as a result of more sightings of jellyfish, there is chance that people could spot some marine turtles in the water, which see jellyfish as food.

Jellyfish are enormous but harmless, feeding on tiny prey, and area often spotted from boats in the deeper waters of the English Channel. It is rare for them to swim closer to the coast. 

When seas warm up in summer and autumn, they breed at a phenomenal rate, according to the Marine Conservation Society, creating huge swarms.

Barrel jellyfish are around 5ft long and weigh five stone.

Beneath the dustbin lid-shaped bell are hundreds of tiny mouths, or pores, each surrounded by tiny stinging tentacles to catch plankton. The stings are not strong enough to harm humans, although it is best not to touch them.

Anyone who spots a jellyfish is asked to report it on the Marine Conservation Society's website, which can be found atMcsuk.org/sightings

Bournemouth Echo:

Rebecca Ward found this at Alum Chine 

Bournemouth Echo:

Karen Marquick took this picture at Highcliffe 

Bournemouth Echo:

Shane Munford found this one at Baiter while he was digging for worms 

Bournemouth Echo:

Louise Downham found this jellyfish at Branksome Chine

Bournemouth Echo:

While John Eckett discovered this whopper at Alum Chine

Bournemouth Echo:

Becky found this one at Baiter

 


Have you spotted a barrell jellyfish? email your pictures and video to digital@bournemouthecho.co.uk