Expert Explains Invasive Marine Species Disrupting Israeli Beaches

Recent sightings of the box jellyfish and the toxic Abu Nafha fish along Israeli shores are part of an ongoing phenomenon of invasive species arriving in the region. Dr. Haim Moyal, a zoologist at Levinsky Academic Center and Wingate Institute, explains that this trend has been occurring for decades due to the connection between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, which facilitates migration of certain species despite differences in salinity.

Among the invasive species identified are venomous fish like the lionfish and various jellyfish not previously found along Israel’s coast. Dr. Moyal attributes the increase in sightings to global warming, which encourages the proliferation and movement of these species following currents and food sources.

Regarding the box jellyfish found in the Red Sea and recently near Eilat, Dr. Moyal clarifies that it is not the deadly type found in Australia or Thailand. This jellyfish is cube-shaped, about 30 centimeters wide, with four transparent tentacles up to 2-3 meters long. It is scientifically intriguing because it lacks a true brain, heart, or nervous system but has 24 eyes for navigation, a feature that could lead to significant research breakthroughs.

The Abu Nafha fish, recently spotted along the Sharon coast, is toxic but not venomous, meaning it can be handled safely but should not be eaten. Dr. Moyal also warns about other dangerous fish like the stonefish, which can be lethal if stepped on without protection, though these are usually found in deep waters far from shore.

Globally, some countries use satellites to monitor jellyfish populations to protect beaches and desalination plants. Despite concerns, jellyfish also offer benefits in biomedical research, providing proteins and compounds useful in cancer treatments and cosmetics.