An inundation of jellyfish infested the shore line along the Salina saltpans and the nearby canal system known as Il-Kanal tas-Sokkors, in the past days.

Hundreds of the jellyfish were washed ashore together with other junk, along the saltpan drain canals which were cleaned up by the works department recently.

Another place that was affected was Delimara. The increased numbers being seen can be explained by particularly good breeding seasons characterised by plentiful food supplies, according to marine biologists. There are no ways to predict their arrival, their length of stay, or to limit their entry into popular swimming spots. Maltese conservation biologists had predicted that it was likely for Malta to get its good share of jellyfish this summer, especially when sea currents and winds carry large offshore blooms towards local shores.

The explanation for their presence in Maltese waters summer after summer is mainly that they are driven by sea currents generated by temporary wind patterns. With their very poor powers of propulsion, jellyfish are not able to swim sideways, let alone swim against the current. The winds blow them into coastal areas and bays, where they become trapped by circular currents.

When the wind changes, they move on, which explains why on a given day a particular beach would be infested while the following day the same beach might very well be clear of jellyfish.