Latest news with #CompassJellyfish
Daily Mirror
03-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Jellyfish invasion hit UK beaches as swarms of sea creatures seen
The jellyfish invasion has hit the UK already with swarms of the stinging sea creatures spotted off the coast of Devon with more potentially on the way Thousands of stinging jellyfish have began to invade UK waters following the scorching start to summer, with swarms spotted at the base of cliffs near a popular seaside beauty spot. Compass and moon jellyfish have been seen in the sea off Brixham, with both species capable of delivering stings - the compass variety being particularly painful. Compass jellyfish are recognisable by their distinctive brown markings resembling a compass, and while not as dangerous as some species, their sting can be excruciating and cause welts, rashes, and swelling lasting hours, days or even weeks. They are typically found in Mediterranean and Atlantic waters. Moon jellyfish are more common in British seas and deliver only a mild sting that poses no threat to humans. Tristan Northway, skipper of the Four Reasons charter boat, in Devon, blamed the recent warm weather for triggering the bloom after spotting them off Brixham. "There are thousands of them," he said. "And depending what direction the wind is, they will gather in places. "There are all sorts of jellies including compass, comb jellyfish, which are really cool, and moon jellyfish. Because the water is warmer now we are seeing a lot more of them. They only live for six to 12 months." This could be just the beginning of jellyfish swarms as temperatures continue to soar. The UK experienced its hottest day of the year on Tuesday (July 1), with temperatures surging to 35 degrees, and blistering conditions could persist throughout the month. Compass jellyfish, recognised by their unique V-shaped markings, can deliver a painful sting, warns the Devon Wildlife Trust. Although not as hazardous as some other jellyfish species, it's best to steer clear of their stings as they can cause discomfort. If you do get stung, use tweezers or a credit card to remove any tentacles, then rinse the area with seawater followed by warm water. Seek medical help if symptoms escalate. How to identify Compass Jellyfish: They have a translucent, umbrella-shaped bell with brown, V-shaped markings radiating from the centre, resembling a compass. They can grow up to 30cm in diameter and have 24 long, thin tentacles, and four thick, frilled arms. They are often found in the southern UK during summer. Compass Jellyfish sting: Compass jellyfish stings are painful, described as similar to a nettle sting. The tentacles can detach and continue stinging, even when separated from the jellyfish. Even dead jellyfish can sting. What to do if stung: Get out of the water: Immediately exit the sea. Rinse with seawater: This helps remove any remaining stinging cells, according to Project Jellyfish. Remove tentacles: Carefully remove any visible tentacles with tweezers or a credit card. Soak in warm water: Immerse the affected area in warm (as hot as tolerable) water for at least 30 minutes to help relieve pain according to the NHS. Seek medical help: If pain persists, or if you experience severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest pain, or severe swelling, seek immediate medical attention. Despite what you might have heard in an episode of US sitcom Friends, urinating on a jellyfish sting actually won't make it better - in fact, it could make it worse. According to Grazia, a study found this will actually irritate the sting further and spread the venom.
Scottish Sun
16-06-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Why UK beaches have more jellyfish than ever – and how to spot the most dangerous ones
And how another more deadly creature could also wash up FISH IT OUT Why UK beaches have more jellyfish than ever – and how to spot the most dangerous ones MORE jellyfish than ever are being spotted in waters around the UK, according to experts. In recent months, 1,000s of jellyfish have been spotted on beaches across the country. Advertisement 2 More jellyfish could hit UK shores Credit: Alamy Genevieve Watson, Biologist at KISTERS explained: "Rising sea temperatures are having a direct impact on marine life in all kinds of ways. "Warmer waters can expand the habitat of marine species such as stingrays and jellyfish, allowing them to thrive in our coastal regions - areas that would have previously been too cold for them. "Few of us will look back to our childhood and remember ever seeing a stingray or jellyfish in the water at the seaside, but actually, for our children and grandchildren, this could be an increasingly common sight." Some of the most dangerous ones are the Portuguese Man o' War, which are spotted by their blue, balloon-like floating tentacles which deliver a painful sting. Advertisement Read more on beaches WAVE GOODBYE UK beach 'falling into the sea' reveals drastic new plans to stop erosion Another jellyfish with a strong sting is the Mauve Stinger which has four frilled arms and eight tentacles, often purple in colour. Otherwise there is also the yellow Compass Jellyfish with brown markings that look like a compass. Lions Mane Jellyfish, with long tentacles in yellow, orange or brown, are also painful if stung. While less painful, the translucent Moon Jellyfish (with purple rings) and Barrel Jellyfish in pale pink, blue or white even have mild stings. Advertisement Thankfully, none of the jellyfish are deadly that are at risk of being spotted in the UK. Only those with allergies or anyone who doesn't get the wound treated are likely to suffer more serious effects. Bizarre moment Brit hols hotspot beach turns BLUE as it's left totally covered by swarm of stinging jellyfish What to do if stung by a jellyfish Cornish Watersports issued the following advice on Facebook after thousands of the stinger jellyfish washed up: 1. Rinse the affected area with seawater (not freshwater) 2. Remove any spines from the skin using tweezers or the edge of a bank card. 3. Soak the area in very warm water (as hot as can be tolerated) for at least 30 minutes – use hot flannels or towels if you cannot soak it. 4. Take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen. 5. Obviously, if you are prone to have an allergic reaction to any stingers go straight to A&E. Cornwall Watersports also advice that those who get stung call NHS 111 for further advice. Genevieve said it was even possible that stingrays could be next in the UK waters. She added: "We've seen increased reports over recent years of jellyfish blooms on the British and Irish coast as their population has exploded due to increasingly warm waters, it's highly possible that stingrays could be next.' Advertisement Some have already been spotted in UK waters, such as the Common Stingray. While they currently don't come close to the shoreline, they still have a very painful sting from their tail. Last year, thousands of purple jellyfish washed up on the Isles of Scilly. Here's what you should do if you are ever stung by a jellyfish. Advertisement
The Irish Sun
16-06-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Why UK beaches have more jellyfish than ever – and how to spot the most dangerous ones
MORE jellyfish than ever are being spotted in waters around the UK, according to experts. In recent months, 2 More jellyfish could hit UK shores Credit: Alamy Genevieve Watson, Biologist at "Warmer waters can expand the habitat of marine species such as stingrays and jellyfish, allowing them to thrive in our coastal regions - areas that would have previously been too cold for them. "Few of us will look back to our childhood and remember ever seeing a stingray or jellyfish in the water at the seaside, but actually, for our children and grandchildren, this could be an increasingly common sight." Some of the most dangerous ones are the sting . Read more on beaches Another jellyfish with a strong sting is the Mauve Stinger which has four frilled arms and eight tentacles, often purple in colour. Otherwise there is also the yellow Compass Jellyfish with brown markings that look like a compass. Lions Mane Jellyfish, with long tentacles in yellow, orange or brown, are also painful if stung. While less painful, the translucent Moon Jellyfish (with purple rings) and Barrel Jellyfish in pale pink , blue or white even have mild stings. Most read in Beach holidays Thankfully, none of the jellyfish are deadly that are at risk of being spotted in the UK. Only those with allergies or anyone who doesn't get the wound treated are likely to suffer more serious effects. Bizarre moment Brit hols hotspot beach turns BLUE as it's left totally covered by swarm of stinging jellyfish What to do if stung by a jellyfish Cornish Watersports issued the following advice on Facebook after thousands of the stinger jellyfish washed up: 1. Rinse the affected area with seawater (not freshwater) 2. Remove any spines from the skin using tweezers or the edge of a bank card. 3. Soak the area in very warm water (as hot as can be tolerated) for at least 30 minutes – use hot flannels or towels if you cannot soak it. 4. Take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen. 5. Obviously, if you are prone to have an allergic reaction to any stingers go straight to A&E. Cornwall Watersports also advice that those who get stung call NHS 111 for further advice. Genevieve said it was even possible that stingrays could be next in the UK waters. She added: "We've seen increased reports over recent years of jellyfish blooms on the British and Irish coast as their population has exploded due to increasingly warm waters, it's highly possible that next .' Some have already been spotted in UK waters, such as the Common Stingray. While they currently don't come close to the shoreline, they still have a very painful sting from their tail. Last year, Here's what you should do if you are ever stung by a jellyfish. 2 You should always disinfect the wound straight afterwards Credit: Alamy
