Today’s Solutions: November 14, 2024

As we explore further into space, we also discover new oddities every day in our own waters. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says that more than 80 percent of the world’s oceans remain unmapped and undiscovered. Scientists estimate that 91 percent of ocean species have not yet been classified. 

Scientists at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute have discovered a new species of Atolla jellyfish that they named Atolla reynoldsi.

Volunteer work pays off 

Atolla are deep-sea crown jellyfish colored scarlet red. The new species of Atolla jellyfish is distinct because it’s missing the one, long, signature tentacle that can elongate up to six times the jelly’s body length and is used, scientists believe, to capture prey. 

In honor of the invaluable help from the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s volunteers, the researchers decided to name the new Atolla after the aquarium’s first volunteer, Jeff Reynolds. 

“We named this stunning new species in honor of Jeff Reynolds in recognition of the 4.3 million hours of service that he and other volunteers have contributed to the Monterey Bay Aquarium over the past 38 years,” said Dr. George Matsumoto, lead author of the description of the new Atolla species, as Science News reported. 

“They have graciously given their time to educate the public about the wonders of the ocean. Aquarium volunteers have been instrumental in raising awareness about the fragility of the ocean and inspiring the public to care about the health of the ocean.”

The Atolla renoldsi is larger than most other Atolla, around 5.1 inches in diameter at its largest. Its crown has spikey ridges which also distinguish it from others of its kind. 

The newly named jellyfish honors the work volunteers do to further science and educate others about the importance of the oceans and their life. 

“MBARI’s work to understand the ocean is more urgent than ever as the deep sea and the animals that live there face a growing number of threats. We cannot protect life in the deep sea unless we understand it first,” said Matsumoto.

Solutions News Source Print this article
More of Today's Solutions

Two Black women to serve together in the United States Senate in a historic f...

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM For the first time in American history, two Black women will serve together in the Senate. Angela Alsobrooks, ...

Read More

Resilient community-building: staying safe in times of uncertainty

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY TEAM Recent global and domestic developments have left many feminists and allies feeling uneasy, uncertain about their place in society, ...

Read More

3 lifestyle hacks to help you become a little happier

There is no one path to finding happiness, but there are some lifestyle changes you can make to become more receptive to happiness. Without ...

Read More

For the first time ever, Greece meets energy demands with 100% renewables

The other week, Greece celebrated an exciting milestone! All of the country’s electricity needs were met by renewable energy for the first time, as ...

Read More