When I emerge from the sea with my camera equipment, the first question asked of me and the crew is almost always the same: "Is everything okay? No jellyfish?" But behind this fear lies a fascinating world of marine creatures, which most of us only know through the sting and not through beauty.
Underwater photography reveals the world of jellyfish off the coast of Haifa. Beyond the infamous wandering thread, there are many spectacular species of jellyfish that do not sting humans.
The jellyfish – not just the "bad creature"
The stinging mermaid, that mythological jellyfish, does not deserve the title of "evil beast." While there are stinging jellyfish, not all of them harm our skin. The infamous wandering thread is the one that makes life miserable for summer vacationers, but it too has different species, with varying degrees of sting. There are jellyfish that do not sting at all and we are repelled by them only because of their vibrating movement, like a mysterious jelly lump in the water.
Behind the lens
As an underwater photographer, I seek out the moments when jellyfish transform from a nuisance into a work of art. I have fixed spots off several beaches in the country, far from shore, where the currents bring me rare jellyfish. There, in the clear, calm waters, I stand and watch them pass by me like on a conveyor belt at an airport, each one different, each one beautiful in its own way.
Haifa – quiet, clear and full of life
As of this year, even on the coast Haifa Various jellyfish appear throughout the year, but at a great distance from the shore. This distance creates perfect conditions for photography: clear water, minimal wave action, and an almost meditative silence. On the beach Bat Galim, protected from the wandering filaments, you can see the beautiful side of jellyfish, not the sting, but the dance.
Hope beneath the surface of the water
In previous articles, I mentioned that there are fish that may have become accustomed to the taste of jellyfish gonads and are eating them. If so, there is hope, perhaps nature itself is balancing the jellyfish population. And if this continues throughout the year, we will be able to enjoy the sea even in the hot seasons without fear of burning.
Last tip
Always, but always, Protect your eyes.This is the most sensitive organ when encountering a jellyfish, even if it appears peaceful and beautiful. Because beneath the surface of the water, as in life, beauty and caution go hand in hand.
Jellyfish, magical and fascinating creatures as they are.
Unfortunately, I also meet Illo on the beach and try to return it.
I have a fear of diving and you transport me to places and realms I would never reach.
Really beautiful side,... just endless burning in the water. It's no fun to go into the water all the time in fear. When do you expect them to leave????
A corner of wonderfully refined sanity, beneath the waves.
How much beauty, mixed with danger, you show the world
Moti Mendelsohn,
Wonderful articles!!!
Top notch photos and articles, you are an asset, Moti, amazing photos. Recommend the owner a raise.
Is there any point in returning jellyfish that are found on the sand or that are lost to the water?
Hello Judith
Even if you return them, they won't survive.
I love all animals, but unfortunately jellyfish cause tremendous damage to fish.
It's not worth messing with them either, just a splash in the eye and you're in trouble.
Wonderful sea