There is a slimy beast overtaking our precious oceans.  It has long stinging tentacles that taint fisherman’s catches, travels in suffocating hordes that clog power plants, and has no conscience – as in literally no consciousness whatsoever.  Yes ladies and gentlemen, we are under a biological attack of epic proportions by none other than the jellyfish.

These stinging slimebags have recently been proliferating due to the warming of the oceans from climate change. Scientists believe that this change in ocean temperature has allowed almost 2,000 species of jellyfish to increase their ranges, as well as appear earlier, and increase their numbers. Esteemed Australian marine scientist Anthony Richardson warns that if we do not work to curb these current jellyfish blooms then we will experience many oceanic ecosystems flipping from fish dominated to jellyfish dominated. This is very troubling considering that according to the Marine Stewardship Council, over one billion people rely on fish for their main source of protein (mainly applicable to third world countries).

The loss of this food source could have catastrophic results for many countries. For one it could cause many third world countries to plummet into further poverty and malnutrition, thus creating unrest in many already unstable third world countries. This could negatively affect us here in the United States because the price of certain imported products would skyrocket, and the global economy as a whole could be negatively impacted. Also, the price of fish would explode, so you would have to kiss good-bye to your beloved sushi or glazed salmon without having to pay exorbitant prices.

So, what should we do about this looming jellyfish disaster? The answer is simple. Along with working to transition our economies and modes of energy into more “green” alternatives to reduce climate change, in order to cope with these nasty cnidarians in the short term we must eat them. You heard me correctly, in order to essentially save the world from death by jelly, we must eat the jellyfish.

Before you turn your noses up in disgust, consider all the positive nutritional benefits of jellyfish. Jellyfish are mainly protein and water, meaning they are a lean source of amino acids with very few carbohydrates or fats, making them exceptional dieting foods. Moreover, they contain collagen, which is good for your skin and is beneficial in the treatment of arthritis. Also, they are good for your brain, and in a controlled study, 57% of people who were put on a jellyfish diet had improved memory. Jellyfish are a very versatile food that can be processed in many ways such as boiling, frying for a crunchy effect, or drying for a quick snack.

I implore you to eat jellyfish, for the betterment of the people, the planet, and posterity, plus you may actually find the squishy creatures surprisingly palatable.  Mmmm jellyfish.