Jellyfish invading Gold Coast canals, numbering in their thousands

THOUSANDS of jellyfish have invaded a Gold Coast canal.

In a sight that has locals and tourists amazed, the stingers have floated into the waterway, behind Macintosh Island at Surfers Paradise, from the ocean.

"I've never seen anything like it," said Steve Williams, who manages the Capricorn One highrise overlooking the canal.

"There are thousands upon thousands of them that seem to come in every day on the incoming tide and the water has been thick with them . Many of our guests are from overseas and they're loving it.

"It's a bit of a phenomenon and quite spectacular."

Sea World marine sciences director Trevor Long said it was unusual to see so many jellyfish in the Nerang River.

"It's likely the water is very warm and rich in nutrients which could be luring them into what is quite a nice environment for them," he said.

"There's no need for panic - they won't harm anyone and will get in and out of the river themselves on the incoming and outgoing tides." Source