The sea off the coast of Sochi has become inundated with jellyfish, creating a “jelly-like” appearance and hindering swimming. Eyewitnesses have captured footage showing hundreds of jellyfish swaying in the waves near the shore.

This mass gathering of jellyfish is a seasonal event linked to the reproduction cycle of the Aurelia species. Some believe that rising water temperatures may eventually reduce their numbers.

While such large jellyfish blooms are relatively uncommon in Sochi, other coastal areas like Anapa and Kerch experience them more frequently. In Kerch, innovative developers have even created a patented technology for producing jellyfish chips.

The process involves compacting jellyfish in a solution of natural tannins before drying them. According to the project’s creators, 100 grams of these dried chips contain over 15% of the daily recommended calcium intake and up to 36% of protein. The developers are currently seeking buyers for their health-focused product.

Despite the abundance of jellyfish, tourists in Sochi are being advised that the water is still too cold for swimming, with temperatures around 18 degrees Celsius. Warmer temperatures are not expected until mid-June.