MEDUSA-LINK maps: advanced geodatabase for addressing the challenges of harmful jellyfish encounters and supporting sustainable coastal management

Jellyfish blooms are becoming increasingly common worldwide, causing disruptions, injuries, and fatalities in coastal regions that depend on fishing industries, seaside activities, and tourism. However, no effective methods or tools have been used to predict their occurrence based on environmental cues or to manage biological risks in the coastal area. The MEDUSA-LINK maps address this critical need by integrating spatial and temporal information on jellyfish distribution with water physicochemical parameters using Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies. The maps aim to benefit the general public, local marine communities, authorities, policy-makers, and tourists, aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 14 (Life below water), SDG 3 (Good health and well-being), and SDG 13 (Climate action and Industrial Revolution 4.0). By harnessing Big Data (IR 4.0) to fulfill predictive demands and maintenance, MEDUSA-LINK maps offer an innovative and effective solution to mitigate the impact of jellyfish blooms and promote sustainable coastal management practices.