While jellyfish invasions are a nuisance to beachgoers and a burden to businesses--swarms of jellyfish have decimated fishing industries in the Bering and Black seas, clogged water-intake pipes at nuclear power plants in Japan and forced beach closings from the Great Barrier Reef of Australia to Waikiki in the U.S.--they are also a sign of a more profound problem.
According to Dr. Josep-Marà a Gili, a leading jellyfish expert in Spain, "These jellyfish near shore are a message the sea is sending us saying, 'Look how badly you are treating me.'"
We need to take steps now to improve the health of our oceans--before they become fit only for jellyfish. While our world leaders debate the best ways to curb climate change and end overfishing, we don't have to wait. Each of us can start eating our way to a smaller ecological footprint simply by choosing healthy, sustainable vegan foods that are easier on the planet and its inhabitants.
Paula Moore is a research specialist for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), 501 Front St., Norfolk, VA 23510; http://www.PETA.org.
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