The coastal waters of Sochi, Russia, have experienced a significant influx of jellyfish, creating a dense concentration near the shore. This accumulation is impacting recreational activities, as the high volume of jellyfish deters people from entering the water.

Eyewitness accounts and visual evidence confirm the presence of hundreds of jellyfish swaying in the waves along the Sochi coastline.

This phenomenon is attributed to the seasonal mass reproduction of the Aurelia jellyfish population. Experts suggest that the jellyfish population will likely decrease as water temperatures rise.

While such large jellyfish aggregations are less common in Sochi, other coastal areas like Anapa and Kerch frequently experience similar situations.

In Kerch, innovative solutions have emerged, with developers patenting a technology for creating jellyfish chips. This process involves compacting the jellyfish in a natural tannin solution and then drying them.

The resulting product is claimed to be nutritious, with 100 grams of dried jellyfish chips containing over 15% of the daily recommended calcium intake and up to 36% protein. Developers are currently seeking commercial partners to market this novel food item.

Tourists in Sochi are advised that the water is still too cold for swimming, with a temperature of approximately 18 degrees Celsius. The sea is expected to warm up by mid-June, potentially alleviating the jellyfish issue by then.