# Increased Chlorophyll Levels in the Southern Caspian  Sea Following an Invasion of Jellyfish

Authors: Ahmet E. Kideys; Abolghaseem Roohi; Elif Eker-Develi; Frédéric Mélin; Doug Beare
Journal: Research Letters in Ecology
 (2008)

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## Abstract

A significant correlation was observed between satellite derived chlorophylla (Chl a) concentrations and the biomass of the invasive comb jellyfish Mnemiopsis leidyi in the southern Caspian Sea. By consuming the herbivorous zooplankton, the predatory ctenophore M. leidyi may have caused levels of Chl a to rise to very high values (∼9 mg m-3) in the southern Caspian Sea. There might also be
several other factors concurrent with predation effects of
M. leidyi influencing Chl a
levels in this region, such as eutrophication and climatic changes
which play major roles in nutrient, phytoplankton, and zooplankton
variations. The decrease in pelagic fishes due to overfishing,
natural, and anthropogenic impacts might have provided a suitable
environment for M. leidyi to spread throughout
this enclosed basin.


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## Body


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*Source: 185642-2008-03-31.xml*