The main objective is to identify the areas of the Spanish Mediterranean coast where there is a high density of the granomedusa Carybdea marsupialis, in addition to proposing proven measures for its total or partial eradication.

The main objective is to identify the areas of the Spanish Mediterranean coast where there is a high density of the granomedusa Carybdea marsupialis, in addition to proposing proven measures for its total or partial eradication.

The LIFE+ CUBOMED project arises from the need to study and understand the causes that cause the massive proliferation of Carybdea marsupialis (Cnidaria Cubozoa), detected in very high densities on the beaches of the Alicante towns of Denia, since 2008, and Santa Pola, since 2009. Specimens have also been found in other sections of the Spanish Mediterranean coast (Sagunto, Ibiza, Sitges, L’Ampolla, etc.), although in lower density.

The initiative seeks to eliminate its impact on the ecosystem and on humans, as it causes numerous bites in beach areas.

Specific objectives:

• To know the distribution in some points of the Spanish coastal waters of the Mediterranean of the tabulomedusa Carybdea marsupialis. Establish priority areas for action to remedy high densities.
• To develop a series of methodologies and the necessary technology to be able to identify, quantify and remedy the massive presence of the species in coastal waters, throughout its biological cycle.
• Establish a protocol of preventive (ecosystem-level) and corrective measures to reduce the risk of colonization, explosion and impacts of the box-jellyfish.
• Implementation of an “early warning” network on a national scale, with the collaboration of the municipalities, through their aid posts on beaches for the detection of Carybdea marsupialis and other jellyfish that sting bathers.
• Export of the methodology and know-how to other Mediterranean countries with indications of a similar problem.