Barrel jellyfish visible in Venice’s canals due to Lockdown

A large barrel jellyfish was filmed in the canals of Venice. The images are unique and are shared by some as a victory of nature. Since the lockdown, which took effect in Italy on 9 March, shipping traffic in the canals has also stopped. As a result, the water has become crystal clear and marine life has blossomed. Video: RTÉ News. Watch video:

Marine life Italy

The footage was made by the Italian biologist, Andrea Mangoni, who works in Venice. "A combination of low water and the complete stoppage of shipping traffic has caused all the sediment in the canals to sink to the bottom," he says. "This has greatly increased the clarity of the water, making marine life more visible." Mangoni also shared the images on his Facebook page. In addition to the jellyfish, the footage also show sponges, small fish and other jellyfish. The images travel all over the world and can be seen on numerous video channels and news broadcasts.

Tidal currents channels

The barrel jellyfis probably ended up in the canals through tidal currents. Barrel ellyfish can be found in the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea. The animals are light blue in color and can reach a diameter of thirty to sixty centimeters. They have no tentacles and cause no itching when being touched. Images of the canals, in which dolphins are said to have been swimming since the lockdown, appeared earlier. These images also travelled the world, although it is disputed whether all the footage is real.