Velella Velella in the Bay of Monaco

Since last week, a large number of Velella Velella, commonly known as "By-the-wind-sailors," have appeared in the offshore waters and the waters in the ports of the Principality.  These small jellyfish resemble a boat of a few centimetres in length, with a triangular "sail."

This morning, compact brown-coloured layers were concentrated in the Bay of Monaco and the entrance to Port Hercule.  At this time of the year, these creatures reappear to a greater or lesser extent, just for a few days, as their life cycle is quite short.

Within the ports, they are collected, as far as possible, to avoid their excessive concentration.