Researchers at the Universitat Politècnica de València and the University of Alicante have engineered a floating buoy designed to block jellyfish from approaching beaches and protecting swimmers from stings.
The device represents a practical response to rising jellyfish populations in coastal waters, a problem intensified by warming ocean temperatures and shifts in marine ecosystems. Jellyfish blooms have increased dramatically in Mediterranean regions and beyond, creating economic losses for beach tourism and public health concerns.
The buoy functions as a physical barrier, intercepting jellyfish during their drift toward shore before they can reach swimming areas. Rather than harming the creatures, the system uses mechanical deflection to redirect them away from populated beaches. This approach avoids the ecological complications of chemical or lethal deterrents that could disrupt marine life.
The UPV and University of Alicante teams developed the technology through testing various buoy designs and configurations to optimize jellyfish deflection while accounting for currents, wave action, and seasonal jellyfish migration patterns. The device can be deployed in arrays along beaches to create protective zones without blocking water access or creating visual obstructions.
The researchers tested their prototype in Mediterranean waters where jellyfish incidents have surged. Results showed the buoy successfully prevented a substantial portion of jellyfish from breaching the protected area, though effectiveness varies depending on jellyfish species, size, and ocean conditions.
The system offers coastal communities a preventive alternative to relying solely on lifeguard patrols, beach closures, or vinegar and antihistamine treatments for sting victims. Installation and maintenance costs remain lower than some competing technologies, making widespread adoption feasible for resource-limited municipalities.
Future iterations may incorporate sensors to monitor jellyfish populations and transmit real-time data to beach managers, enabling adaptive deployment strategies. The researchers plan to expand testing across different Mediterranean sites and explore