Over the past several days, jellyfish have been washing up along various points of Cox’s Bazar beach, including Himchari, Daryanagar, and Sonarpara in Ukhiya. Carried in by the high tide, dozens of jellyfish have been found stranded on the sandy shores, many dead upon reaching land.
Locals say the phenomenon is not new but has become more noticeable lately. Some jellyfish are still seen floating in the water near the shoreline, creating a rare natural scene that draws curious beachgoers.
Despite the name, jellyfish are not fish. Known locally as shada nuinya, these gelatinous creatures are a delicacy in many countries and are also used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. The global jellyfish market is valued at approximately $5.6 billion, yet Bangladesh has yet to tap into its potential despite the Bay of Bengal being its natural habitat.
Marine scientists from the Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute have recently begun studying shada nuinya, hoping that further research could unlock a new economic avenue for the country.
While the sight of jellyfish on the beach is a curiosity, experts say it could start a conversation on sustainable marine resource utilization in Bangladesh.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Hussain Shetu
