Three nuclear reactors in France shut down because of jellyfish

An increase in the number of jellyfish in the North Sea caused blockages at pumping stations at EDF’s Gravelines nuclear power plant, forcing three reactors to shut down, BFMTV reports. Another reactor is operating at half capacity for safety reasons.

Another reactor is offline because of scheduled maintenance. Of the plant’s six reactors, only one is operating at full capacity.

The reactors at the plant are cooled using water from the North Sea.

French media report that the recent rise in sea temperatures has created favourable conditions for jellyfish reproduction. Fishing also contributes to the increase in jellyfish numbers, as fishermen catch fish that feed on jellyfish.