Meerestiere: 200 Tonnen Quallen legen Atomreaktoren in Frankreich lahm

Massive jellyfish have once again forced reactors at the largest French nuclear power plant, Gravelines, to halt operations. More than 200 tonnes of jellyfish have washed up since the previous night, according to a spokesperson for French operator EDF. Two of the six reactor blocks have been temporarily shut down to ensure the incident does not impact the safety of the facility.

The jellyfish are affecting the filter systems of the seawater pump station. Currently, no reactor block is functioning as scheduled; two more are operating at reduced capacity due to the jellyfish infestation. The remaining two units have also been shut down, partly for maintenance inspection. In previous months, jellyfish have disrupted operations as well.

To better detect and manage massive jellyfish gatherings, Gravelines has installed monitoring and detection systems, with assistance from France Pêche Durable. Seven boats patrol around the clock near the nuclear plant to catch the jellyfish and release them back into the sea. The reasons behind the phenomenon remain unclear. The spokesperson revealed that they are working together with various partners to gain a better understanding.

The power system's risk is not affected by the incident, the spokesperson assured. Gravelines is one of nearly 20 nuclear power plants in France, located on the northern French coast, roughly halfway between Calais and Dunkirk.