Investigating the socio-economic impact of jellyfish outbreaks in small island states

Abstract

This dissertation is a preliminary attempt to investigate the socio-economic impact of the jellyfish phenomenon in the Maltese Islands and and other Mediterranean islands and regions. This dissertation aimed to identify the typologies of different coastal stakeholders affected by the presence of jellyfish in local waters and acquire information on the degree of awareness of the same stakeholders, tourists and the general public about jellyfish citizen science initiatives and research. This study was conducted during two periods, April-May 2012 and June-July 2012. Two types of structured questionnaires targeting identified stakeholders and tourists, semi- structured interviews with different stakeholders, online newspaper comments and a desk study were the tools used to collect information within this study. Within this study, a considerable number of stakeholders along the coasts of the Maltese Islands confirmed that they suffered an economic loss due to the jellyfish phenomenon. However one stakeholder reported a positive economic impact due to the same phenomenon. From the quantitative questionnaires it emerged that there was a significant difference between the responses of stakeholders and tourists as to whether they are aware of any jellyfish-spotting campaigns. The knowledge of the general public was examined using data from the IOI-MOC Spot the Jellyfish initiative. It was concluded that the knowledge of stakeholders regarding jellyfish research and initiatives was higher than that of the general public which in turn was higher than that of tourists. From the desk study carried out regarding the impact of jellyfish phenomenon on the Maltese archipelago, and other islands and coasts across the Mediterranean, it was concluded that jellyfish are in general detrimental to the tourism industry and tourists who experienced jellyfish stinging might consider choosing a different holiday destination. This dissertation concludes with suggestions for further research on the same thematic and a list of policy implications which should help to increase the awareness about the jellyfish phenomenon and its underlying social, environmental and economic impacts.