Although the Belgian part of the North Sea (BPNS) is a very well studied ecosystem, the knowledge on jellyfish and more specifically ctenophores is poorly documented. Zooplankton research in the BPNS shows that several ctenophore species are facilitated by higher summer and autumn water temperatures. Recently it became obvious that these ‘primitive’ invertebrates are able to alter and control complete food webs.
The American comb jelly, Mnemiopsis leidyi, is one of the most notorious invasive species in the world. It caused massive ecological and economical damage to the Black Sea ecosystem. In 2007, it was observed for the first time in the BPNS.
To assess the impact of M. leidyi on different human activities (fisheries, energy providing industries and tourism) a detailed study will be carried out on the spatial and temporal distribution and the role of M. leidyi in the food web of the BPNS and the Westerschelde estuary. A Standard Operational Protocol (SOP) for sampling, conserving and fixating these fragile organisms for different analysing purposes, will be further developed.
Mnemiopsis leidyi is known to predate on fish eggs and larvae, and zooplankton. As such, it can be seen as a potential competitor and predator of zooplanktivorous fish. The position of M. leidyi in the food web will be assessed using stable isotopes and fatty acid analyses, and through the use of a genetic probe to identify M. leidyi at a larger North Sea & North Atlantic Ocean scale.
The obtained information will be useful to formulate national and international policy advice towards various sectors, including fisheries, energy providers and tourism.
