Understanding Jellyfish Population Dynamics in Chesapeake Bay

Chesapeake Bay is a complex network of characterizing flora and fauna. Species like Atlantic menhaden, striped bass, blue crab and the eastern oyster are all important to the Bay, and make it an ecologically and economically irreplaceable ecosystem.  A more conspicuous species, the Atlantic sea-nettle (Chrysaora quinquecirrha) plays an important role in the dynamics of Chesapeake Bay (i.e. food webs, commercial fishing, recreation, restoration), especially when they quickly manifest at high abundances. Traditional methods of sampling jellyfish have proven difficult due their fragility and tendency to break apart in nets. The subsequent inaccuracy from surveying these delicate species makes it difficult to define their population dynamics, which would be especially useful in predicting their impact and distribution. Here we present innovative sampling methods (i.e. sonar imaging) that aim to accurately elucidate the distribution of the Atlantic sea-nettle in the nation’s largest estuary. In utilizing these techniques we suggest their versatility and potential application with other species, including fish of the Bay. We also describe historic and more recent trends and discuss environmental parameters and trophic interactions that affect the interannual variability of the stinging nettle of Chesapeake Bay.