UK Jellyfish Sightings from 2003 to 2015

Quality Control

This is not a survey of jellyfish species in the UK and should not be considered to be a comprehensive dataset. Recording effort is variable depending on the season, the weather and media coverage. Only species presence is recorded, not absence. Identification of the 8 species in this dataset is relatively simple and does not require specialist training. However, not all records are verified by an expert and while id guides are offered to recorders, there is no indication of whether the observer has used the id guide. Training is not offered. Some records may be duplicates, which can occur e.g. when a stranded individual has been observed by two different people at different times.

Method steps

1. This is a citizen science scheme that records ad hoc sightings of jellyfish. Data are submitted via email, phone and an online form. Recorders are encouraged not to submit species names unless certain, and to provide photo verification and/or a written description where possible, but this is not essential. Required data include date and time of sighting, location of observer (e.g. on land or on a boat), rough location of animal (e.g. on a beach or off a headland) as well as more precise location details (town name, lat long if possible). Lat longs are provided if missing, or verified if present, during the validation process. Dates of sightings are also verified. Species identification is verified through photos and descriptions when provided but otherwise the dataset is reliant on untrained volunteers accurately identifying the species. As with all non-effort based, public participation wildlife sightings schemes, the scheme will generate multiple sightings, i.e. the same animal may be reported separately by different people.

The dataset covers the whole of the UK sea area, but contains ad hoc sightings, biased towards populated areas or regions most likely to be visited by tourists. Records were provided with latitude and longitude to 6 decimal places.