In the
Gulf waters off Mississippi millions of large Asian jellyfish have appeared.
Clogging nets and spooking swimmers these behemoths can grow as large as
bathtubs.
More
common off Australia, they appeared in the Caribbean Sea in the late 1960’s ,
apparently making their way through the Panama Canal in ship bilge water.
Aside from their size, their 
appetite worries scientists.
By consuming enormous numbers of planktonic creatures, they could
significantly reduce yields of commercial fish.
Scientists think the hot, dry summer, which has raised the salinity and
temperature of Gulf waters, may account for their astounding numbers and hope
winter weather will slow them down.
-Christian Science Monitor
Sept 1, 2000
01/08/04 16:41