A team from the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) and the University of Alicante has unveiled a novel floating buoy aimed at stopping jellyfish from drifting toward shorelines. The device is designed to intercept these marine creatures before they reach bathing areas, potentially cutting down on stings.
The innovation addresses a growing problem along Mediterranean coasts, where jellyfish blooms have become more frequent in recent years. Warmer waters and shifting currents have driven larger swarms closer to popular tourist beaches, posing hazards for swimmers and economic risks for coastal communities that depend on tourism.
Details on the buoy's specific design or materials were not disclosed. The researchers have not released data on its effectiveness in field tests, though the prototype has been developed through a collaboration between the two institutions' marine and engineering departments.
If successfully deployed, the buoy could offer a non-chemical alternative to existing jellyfish barrier methods. It might reduce reliance on nets or deterrent sprays, which can harm other marine life. However, scaling production and installation along extensive coastlines would require significant investment and coordination with local authorities.
The developers emphasize the buoy is still in early stages, with no timeline yet for commercial rollout. Further refinements and real-world trials will be needed to validate its performance across varying sea conditions.