Spokesman Lawrence Hajna says New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection and Montclair State University have been monitoring clinging jellyfish since 2016. Until now, they were believed to be confined to the northern and central Barnegat Bay, nearly 100 miles away.
"This is the first time that we've confirmed their presence this far south in the state," Hajna said.
Hajna says credit for the discovery goes to a non-professional.
"They were found by a young girl who was collecting from the pond," he said.
Her parents thought the critters, which range from dime to quarter-sized, looked unusual and contacted the university, which confirmed their presence.
Hajna says although they're small, clinging jellies have a wicked sting.
"They use that against predators. They also use it to stun their prey," he said.
He says they're too fragile to survive in the ocean but thrive in back bays, so it pays to exercise caution. He suggests you consult the DEP's clinging jellyfish locator map.
"That can help inform decisions on recreational activities they may be considering," Hajna added.