A ‘Spot the jellyfish’ campaign was launched yesterday at the university campus in Gozo, organised by IOI-Malta operational centre “to increase awareness of the diversity of jellyfish” – which is already high, it may be assumed, seeing how many complain of being stung.

Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono gave it her wholehearted support, and said the phenomenon of swarms of jellyfish in the bays is disquieting, negatively affecting the economy.

The initiative, she said, should help yield information about the movement, quality and characteristics of jellyfish, which should help scientists understand the situation better.

In the initiative those seeing jellyfish are asked to report on it by filling a leaflet which has been produced, comparing the jellyfish seen with pictures on the leaflet, and indicating the date, time and place where the jellyfish are seen. The leaflet is to be distributed to schoolchildren and on beaches around the country.

Those taking part may also submit the information online at www.ioikids.net/jellyfish, by sms on tel. 7922-2278 or by email to [email protected]. There are prizes to be won by those taking part.