Latest news with #JessStrickland
ABC News
14-06-2025
- Science
- ABC News
Business as usual at Exmouth after shark, crocodile and Irukandji incidents
The picturesque Ningaloo and Exmouth coasts are best known for swimming with whale sharks, humpback whales, manta rays and turtles, as visitors head north to escape the southern winter. But recently, the region has been plagued with reports of crocodile sightings, shark bites and Irukandji stings — so, is there something in the water? Late last year Exmouth residents reported sightings of crocodiles and great white sharks, while earlier this week two people were hospitalised with Irukandji syndrome after swimming in Ningaloo Marine Park. Irukandji jellyfish are known for their stings, causing severe pain, nausea and vomiting. Irukandji expert and Giffith University PhD candidate Jess Strickland said whether there were more Irukandji around the Ningaloo was up for debate. "It's a bit of a tricky one," she said. "Mainly because we've only just started paying attention and studying them in this part of the world, so there are no long-term data sets." Ms Strickland is studying Irukandji at Ningaloo reef, with the hope of increasing the understanding of the species to inform public safety. She said that while reporting had increased, it did not mean the danger had. "But is that because there are more people in the water, more awareness about Irukandji jellyfish and Irukandji syndrome, and a slightly better reporting system? "Or does it represent a genuine increase in their presence in the area? We don't know." Ms Strickland said warming waters were contributing to marine species experiencing shifting distributions, concerning researchers that stinging jellyfish on the WA coast were moving south. Exmouth local Rusty Ellis volunteers in marine rescue and spends as much time as he can on the water. When asked if he had witnessed more Irukandji in recent years, Mr Ellis was resolute. "No, there's no sort of increase, per se," he said. "If there's a bit of warm water, like we had this year, that comes down from up north, there's a good chance it's going to be bringing the Irukandjis down with it. "With the increased population and the increased numbers of the people swimming out there … more people in the water, there's more chance of an interaction. Exmouth's local population has grown from about 2,400 people in 2011 to just over 3,000 in 2021, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics census. The local population triples at the height of the tourist season and the area is a popular school holiday destination. When it comes to crocodiles and sharks, Mr Ellis said the Parks and Wildlife Service had "done a pretty good job of sorting them out". "There's thousands of sharks out there and they don't very often have interactions with the public," he said. "There's that much other food out there for them that people really don't taste that good." Mr Ellis's message to others is simple. "Just don't be silly."
ABC News
10-06-2025
- Health
- ABC News
Warning issued as Irukandji jellyfish sting two swimmers in northern WA
Swimmers in northern Western Australia have been being urged to take precautions after two people were stung by Irukandj jellyfish on Monday. The sting of the jellyfish can cause severe pain, nausea and breathing difficulties. Two people were admitted to hospital after swimming in the Ningaloo Marine Park. They have since been discharged. Griffith University PhD candidate Jess Strickland said two types of Irukandji were found in the Ningaloo region. "Keesingia gigas is the world's largest species of Irukandji and they can get to over 50 centimetres long," she said. "They sort of look like a giant rocket-ship. "The more common species we get is called Mallo bella. "It's a lot smaller — it's your typical sort of Irukandji jellyfish shape, so a small bell about the size of the tip of your thumb, and four tentacles, one coming off each corner." Ms Strickland said encounters were most likely during the dry season. "They're most commonly sighted from March onwards and we're seeing them through into August occasionally," she said. Ms Strickland said the best way to prevent stings was by wearing clothing that covered as much of the skin as possible, such as a lycra swimsuit. "They don't actually have a brain, so they're not consciously choosing to sting someone," she said. "It's a trigger that happens automatically when the jellyfish would brush up against someone." Ms Strickland said Irukandji delivered venom via a "sort of microscopic, harpoon-like structure". "People are at risk of being stung if bare skin brushes up against them," she said. A Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions spokesperson urged visitors to "remain vigilant while enjoying the marine park." "Wearing stinger suits or rash shirts can help reduce the risk of being stung," they said. The spokesperson said any sightings should be reported immediately to Parks and Wildlife authorities. The WA Country Health Service and WA Department of Health declined to comment.
