Lion’s Mane Jellyfish are a spectacular part of our native fauna and our largest jellyfish (by tentacle length).
They use their stinging tentacles to capture and pull in their prey to eat and in turn are naturally predated by larger jellyfish, seabirds and the leatherback turtle. Lion’s Mane jellyfish are confined to colder water and play a further important ecosystem role, their stinging tentacles providing a haven for smaller marine organisms, including juvenile fish.
Action Needed
- Work for reduction of marine litter through measures to create a circular economy.
- Support measures to tackle climate change.
- Introduce ecosystem based marine planning.
Threats
The plight of plastic litter in our marine environment is significantly affecting marine biodiversity and climate change is affecting natural species habitat ranges.
Predators of Lion’s Mane Jellyfish, particularly leatherback turtles, can mistake plastic bags for these and other jellyfish species, which can lead to digestion problems, starvation and death.
MSP Nature Champion
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