University of Alicante

Many jellyfish species are sensitive to electromagnetic fields. Jellyfish movement is based on pulsations through which they contract their umbrella to create a water flow that allows them to move. By creating electromagnetic fields, it is possible to reduce the number of pulsations of jellyfish, thereby reducing their ability to move and maintain their position. They are temporarily limited in their movement, but when they move away from the emitter, through the effect of gravity and currents, they recover full mobility. The system is completely harmless to their health, and once they are outside the device’s range, they can move normally.

The system is composed of a floating buoy that incorporates the device with the different electronic elements and power sources, and a chain with a weight at its lower end so that the structure remains in a vertical position.

The device includes a series of coils that generate electromagnetic fields, and at different points of the chain, at different depths, the wave emitters are placed.

Researchers have determined the optimal configuration of these devices to obtain greater effectiveness against jellyfish without affecting the environment.

The system can be used in different substrates or configurations. For example, it can be extended along the entire water column to create a complete barrier or only cover part of the column.

MAIN ADVANTAGES OF THE TECHNOLOGY

• The solution shows greater effectiveness compared to other options. The technology provides a much more effective system than existing solutions for protection against jellyfish, ensuring that it affects any specimen that approaches the device. This provides greater safety against possible blockages in industrial systems and protects coastal bathing areas.

• The technology is completely harmless and sustainable. The system generates an immediate deterrent effect on jellyfish without causing them any harm and without producing any residue that affects the marine environment.

• The technology has a selective effect. Unlike physical barriers that also affect other species, this system acts only on jellyfish without producing negative effects on other species.

• It is a lower-cost solution. Compared to physical barriers, which require extensive installations and considerable investment, this system offers a lower-cost and more efficient solution, requiring minimal supports (floating buoys and chains).

• The device design facilitates maintenance. This solution requires less maintenance because it is smaller in size and, additionally, the main elements of the device are concentrated in the floating buoy, making access, repair, or replacement of components easier.

• The solution is modular and adaptable. The system can be adapted to the needs of the environment to be protected, modulating it at different depths and scales. Depending on whether the critical element to protect is an industrial water intake or a wide bathing area, the configuration can be simpler or more complex.

INNOVATIVE ASPECTS

This is an innovative technology compared to traditional solutions because it does not rely on installing physical barriers. These are complex to implement when the area to be protected is large, do not always ensure effective protection, and in some cases may cause harm to marine species that can become trapped.

The proposal developed by the researchers is specifically designed to modify jellyfish behavior without causing them any harm. It affects their ability to move, which discourages them from entering the device’s action field.

The developed device has an optimized configuration for the marine environment and generates electromagnetic signals through a system of coils and electronic systems located in the floating buoy.

The system can be scaled according to protection needs, whether for applications in industry, tourism, aquaculture, or desalination.

Additionally, the design is conceived for intelligent energy management, potentially incorporating solar energy, and facilitating maintenance by infrastructure managers.

The technology has been tested in controlled environments with trials that demonstrate its effectiveness in several jellyfish species, verifying the effect of electromagnetic fields on reducing swimming pulsations.

The technology is aimed at protecting sensitive marine areas from the presence of jellyfish.

Its main application sectors include companies operating in coastal environments or requiring seawater intake (such as desalination plants, aquaculture facilities, or other industries), and coastal management authorities interested in ensuring the safety of bathing areas for users (local and regional administrations, among others).

In this sense, the technology is particularly relevant for the tourism sector.

The research group is seeking companies interested in acquiring this technology for commercial exploitation through licensing agreements and R&D project development agreements (technical cooperation) to undertake projects related to the technology.

This technology is protected through a patent application.

• Patent title: “System for modifying the movement of jellyfish in marine environments.”

• Application number: P202530316

• Application date: 15/04/2025