Colonies of two rare stalked jellyfish found in Kent

Stalked jellyfish at Walpole Bay © Kent Wildlife Trust

October 2011. Kent Wildlife Trust's Marine Officer, Becky Hitchin, made an exciting discovery on the shores of Thanet - a significant breeding population of rare stalked jellyfish.

"This is a wonderful find," said Becky Hitchin, Marine Officer at Kent Wildife Trust. "We've known that these delicate and rare animals have existed around Thanet for a while, but we've never before found so many together in one place. In Walpole Bay, it seems we have a large breeding population, with lots of both adults and juveniles.

Two species
"In actual fact, there are two different species here, and both are very rare."

The Trust's Marine Policy Officer, Bryony Chapman, continued: "This new find emphasizes the importance of the Thanet coast for its very special chalk reefs and the diversity of species they support. These stalked jellyfish are among the rare and important species that are highlighted for special protection in Marine Conservation Zones, due for designation in 2012."

Stalked jellyfish in Dorset