Scientists Propose Eating Jellyfish Overrunning the Sea of Azov

Researchers from the Azov Scientific Research Institute of Fisheries (AzNIIRKh) suggest that jellyfish infesting the Sea of Azov can be turned into tasty food products, potentially solving an ecological nuisance.

Feb 16, 2026

Dried jellyfish served with vegetables is both delicious and nutritious, according to researchers from the institute.
Source:
Source: AzNIIRKh

Jellyfish that have overrun the Sea of Azov can indeed be caught and processed into food for people. This was reported to our colleagues from 161.RU by the Rostov-based Azov Scientific Research Institute of Fisheries (AzNIIRKh). Scientists have even developed several technologies.

The jellyfish may not look appealing before it is dried and processed into food products.
Source:
Source: AzNIIRKh

Thus, based on research results, specialists from the AzNIIRKh branch in Krasnodar Krai have developed a technology for safe salting of jellyfish.

Researchers suggest that the invasive jellyfish population could be controlled by harvesting them for consumption.
Source:
Source: AzNIIRKh

«Another possible way to process jellyfish is to use them boiled or dried in the production of flour confectionery products, such as crackers,» reported AzNIIRKh.

Using jellyfish allows for the exclusion of table salt from recipes, as they naturally contain sodium chlorides. Jellyfish crackers will also be rich in macro- and microelements.

Moreover, AzNIIRKh scientists have received a patent for a method of producing dried jellyfish. It allows increasing the protein content from 0.6–0.8% in fresh jellyfish to 28–36% in dried jellyfish. This enhances its nutritional value as a source of raw material for obtaining hydrolysates and food products.

From dried rhizostoma jellyfish, AzNIIRKh reported, semi-finished products can be made for preparing soups, sushi, or seafood salads. Also, salted jellyfish can be marinated in various sauces, fillings, and spicy broths, drying it to an elastic state. In this form, it can be eaten, for example, with rice.

The spread of jellyfish in the Sea of Azov is caused by the ongoing increase in the salinity of the water body due to the reduction in freshwater flow from the Don and Kuban rivers. In certain periods of the year, there are so many of them in the water that fishermen are forced to stop fishing. Also, jellyfish greatly annoy vacationers who cannot swim in the sea due to their invasion. Well, as it turns out, they can simply be eaten.