IF you’re planning on heading to the beach this summer, then keep an eye out for jellyfish.

The Marine Conservation Society (MSC) has already received reports of large blooms, or gatherings, of jellyfish, around the UK coastline and as the seas warm up during the summer, more are expected. The society is keen to hear about any sightings as part of its jellyfish survey.

“We are trying to work out where jellyfish occur,” said MCS Biodiversity Programme Manager Peter Richardson, adding that he most common species found along Devon’s coastline were the Moon and Blue. “There are large numbers occurring off the South West peninsula, it’s what happens in the summer.”

More than 5,000 jellyfish encounters have been reported since the survey was launched in 2003. In the last three years, Portugese Men of War were reported in late summer on South West beaches, some in Dorset, so Mr Richardson warned beachgoers to be on their guard.

To take part in the survey visit www.mcsuk.org, where a jellyfish photo-ID guide and recording forms can be downloaded, and jellyfish encounters can be reported in detail.