Latest news with #jellyfish
BBC News
7 days ago
- Climate
- BBC News
Boy stranded by tide and surrounded by jellyfish in Caithness
The RNLI has urged people to check their surroundings and tidal conditions after a shoreline rescue follows a callout for its Thurso lifeboat to assist a boy who got stranded on rocks at Brough Harbour near Dunnet Head in Caithness on Monday got cut off by the rising tide - and the rock where he was stuck was surrounded by a large number of RNLI said the incident showed the importance of awareness of rising tides and the potential hazard from jellyfish blooms at this time of year. The crew members rescued the youth, checked him over and passed him to waiting coastguard teams on the beach."This successful rescue is a reminder to folk to check their surroundings when going into water and be aware of rising tides," said Thurso RNLI."Thankfully on this occasion folk on the shore were aware that the youth was in the water."
The Guardian
19-07-2025
- The Guardian
Is this Queensland beach really the best in the world? Tell us your favourite
A Queensland beach where swimmers need to wear stinger suits for eight months of the year has been voted the best in the world for 2025. Whitehaven Beach, on Whitsunday Island, is home to marine stingers, including jellyfish, from October to May when the water temperatures are warmer, making the use of stinger suits highly advisable. This month, global travel site Big 7 Travel revealed Whitehaven had topped its annual list of the 50 best beaches in the world, beating Anse Source d'Argent in Seychelles and Ksamil Beach in Albania to first place. Now in its seventh year, the list is based on 'past media results', 'social media buzz', and insights from the editorial team. Sign up for the fun stuff with our rundown of must-reads, pop culture and tips for the weekend, every Saturday morning The Queensland 7km stretch of beach, which is renowned for its pure-white silica sands and turquoise waters, is described by the Queensland government as 'one of the world's greatest natural treasures'. 'With its unique white-silica sands, brilliant aquamarine waters, secluded beach camp sites and incredible walking tracks, this world-famous beach will steal your heart,' the state government boasts. According to a Whitsundays tourism marketer, Nathan Johnston, box jellyfish and Irukandji are the harmful stingers in the Whitsundays. But the chances of being stung are low, espeically, if you are wearing a stinger suit and carrying vinegar with you to treat stings. 'As an old skipper once told me … 'Stinger suits are like wearing a seatbelt in a car: the chance is low you will need it, but if needed, it will save your life',' Johnston says. Sign up to Saved for Later Catch up on the fun stuff with Guardian Australia's culture and lifestyle rundown of pop culture, trends and tips after newsletter promotion But can a beach where you need to don a suit before swimming really be the best in the world? Guardian Australia wants to hear from our readers. What is your favourite beach in the world, and why? To kick us off, I will share my own: Bull Pup Beach on the south coast of New South Wales. It's only accessible via a walking track, which means you can often have the tiny sparkling clean beach all to yourself.
Forbes
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
5 Aquariums Across The U.S. To Check Out
West Coast Sea Nettles at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. getty You don't need a PADI certification to get an up-close look at some of the ocean's most fascinating creatures. Across the U.S., world-class aquariums showcase everything from ethereal sea dragons and mesmerizing jellyfish to playful otters, inquisitive penguins, and even sharks. Many also offer live feedings, interactive exhibits, and unforgettable experiences, like joining naturalists from the New England Aquarium for whale watching right off the Boston coast. Here are five must-visit aquariums that bring the deep blue to life. Monterey Bay Aquarium Brittany Anas Perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a world-class destination that opened in 1984 within a former sardine cannery. The aquarium has been a pioneer from the start, unveiling the world's first living kelp forest exhibit and debuting large-scale displays of jellyfish—hypnotic creatures that pulse rhythmically through the glowing blue waters. Monterey Bay is also the only aquarium outside Japan to showcase sunfish, yellowtail, and bluefin tuna. With nearly 200 exhibits focused on the rich habitats of Monterey Bay, around 80 percent of the marine life on display hails from California's own coastal waters. Sync up your visit with some of the daily shows, whether it's hammerhead sharks lunging for lunch or sea otters, who come to the aquarium as rescues, snacking and playing. Penguins at Shedd Aquarium. Shedd Aquarium One of the most eye-catching features of the Shedd Aquaurium is at the heart of the aquarium in the historic rotunda: Wonder of Waters includes two towering 28,000-gallon habitats, one freshwater, the other saltwater. Fish fanatics can see the creatures dart about colorful corals and lush underwater plants and spot the differences between the environments. Other exhibits showcase colorful coral reefs teeming with fish, an oceanarium with beluga whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, sea otters and sea lions, and a Great Lakes exhibit where you can feel the leather backs of lake sturgeon at a 'touch experience' station. Shedd Aquarium ranks among the largest indoor aquariums in the world. Since its opening in 1929, it has more than doubled in size—growing from 225,000 to 480,500 square feet with the addition of the Abbott Oceanarium and Wild Reef. The original building, a 300-foot octagonal gem wrapped in white Georgian marble, cost $3.25 million to construct in 1930. Today, replicating that iconic structure would run upwards of $225 million. Boston Harbor City Cruises and New England Aquarium partner for whale and dolphin-watching cruises each summer. New England Aquarium One of the New England Aquarium's most beloved residents is Myrtle, a green sea turtle who's called the Giant Ocean Tank home since 1970, which is just a year after the aquarium first opened its doors. Visitors can catch daily presentations featuring penguins, sea lions, harbor seals, and the vibrant marine life of the Giant Ocean Tank, where Myrtle is a star of the show. The aquarium is home to thousands of aquatic animals, ranging from African penguins to California sea lions. At the new Ancestral Fishes exhibit, visitors can learn about the fish that were around when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. Beyond the tanks, the aquatic adventure continues on the open water: Join a whale watching tour led by naturalists from the aquarium in partnership with Boston Harbor City Cruises. You'll learn from the friendly guides about how a whale consumes a million calories a day! After the tour, unwind at the aquarium's dockside beer garden which has primo views of Boston Harbor. The Maui Ocean Center In Maui, Hawaii An exhibit with sharks, rays and fish at the Maui Ocean Center in Ma'alaea, Hawaii. (Photo by Tamir Kalifa for The Washington Post via Getty Images) The Washington Post via Getty Images Ocean explorers come to Maui for epic dives at Molokini Crater and to perhaps see honu (green turtles) from a distance on the beach, or to whale watch in the winter. But to dive deeper, the Maui Ocean Center offers a Living Reef with more than 40 Hawaiian coral species and a chance to see seahorses, clownfish, and blacktrip reef sharks. Visitors can also walk under an underwater tunnel in the Open Ocean exhibit and get a glimpse of sharks and stingrays. Experiences at the ocean center include yoga sessions, dives with sharks, sleepovers for kids, and educational events like a chance to witness coral spawning. Tennessee Aquarium In Chattanooga, Tennessee Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, Tennessee. getty Set on the Chattanooga Riverfront, the Tennessee Aquarium spans two buildings that combined house more than 10,000 animals. It also features an IMAX theater that brings the underwater world to life with immersive 3D films. In the River Journey building, freshwater habitats teem with turtles, lake sturgeon, alligators, and other river-dwellers. Over in the Ocean Journey building, visitors can encounter playful penguins, sand tiger sharks, lemurs, and butterflies floating through a lush tropical garden. Sync up your visit with the twice-daily feedings of the aquarium's Gentoo and Macaroni Penguins (10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.) Check in on your favorite creatures via live webcams that film Penguin Rock, otters at play, as well as the vibrant 'Secret Reef,' a saltwater habitat brimming with reef fish, a rescued sea turtle and sharks.
The Sun
10-07-2025
- Climate
- The Sun
Swarms of jellyfish ‘the size of dustbin lids' wash up on UK beaches – with MORE dangerous breed to arrive in 33C heat
SWARMS of jellyfish 'the size of dustbin lids' have been spotted washing up along UK beaches – and experts say even more could arrive as temperatures soar to 33C. Beaches across North Wales are currently being hit by swarms of giant barrel jellyfish, some growing to nearly a metre across. 2 Visitors and locals are being urged to take extra care as marine heatwaves draw not only bigger but also more dangerous jellyfish closer to the UK's shores. Social media has been flooded with photos showing huge jellyfish along Gwynedd's west coast, with recent sightings in Conwy and Rhyl, Denbighshire. On July 7, Lisa Whittaker from Manchester discovered several washed up at Rhos-on-Sea beach. Valiantly trying to return one to the water, she soon realised it was likely already dead. 'Never in my life have I seen one like it – and probably never again,' she said. The recent marine heatwave is being blamed for the surge in sightings. Sea temperatures in parts of the Celtic Sea, English Channel and southern North Sea are currently 1.5C to 3C higher than normal – more like August than early July, according to the Met Office. Marine experts fear this warming is not just a one-off. Frankie Hobro, director of Anglesey Sea Zoo, warned: 'We're now turning on our water chillers in May. "Ten years ago it was in July. Not only are we starting them earlier, we're having to keep them going for longer.' Bizarre moment Brit hols hotspot beach turns BLUE as it's left totally covered by swarm of stinging jellyfish She believes the jellyfish aren't getting bigger, but more of them are coming closer to shore. 'They are always big specimens out in deep waters,' she said. 'But as the sea warms they're venturing closer to coastlines, and so we're seeing more of these bigger jellyfish washing up.' With beaches busier than ever during summer heatwaves, more sightings are being reported. 'With more people going to the coast, and swimming in our waters, it's inevitable that more specimens will be seen,' she added. While barrel jellyfish are mostly harmless – delivering a mild sting at worst – others are far more dangerous. Frankie is particularly concerned about rising numbers of Portuguese man o' war jellyfish. What is the Portuguese man o' war? THE Portuguese Man O'War, often mistaken for a jellyfish, is actually a siphonophore – a colony of specialised organisms working together. Known for its deadly sting, this marine menace has tentacles that can stretch up to 30 feet and deliver excruciating pain and permanent scarring. In rare cases it can even cause death, particularly in individuals with allergies. Its vivid blue, purple, and pink hues serve as a natural warning to keep away. Although typically found drifting through the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean, sightings in the Mediterranean – especially around Mallorca and Menorca – have led to temporary beach closures in recent years. The Man O'War is a carnivorous predator, using its venom to paralyse small fish, shrimp, and plankton before dragging them into its digestive polyps. Despite its fearsome defences, it does have a few natural predators, including loggerhead turtles, blue sea slugs, and the remarkable man-of-war fish, which has evolved to live among its toxic tentacles. 'This was once an occasional visitor, in late August and September,' she said. 'Any that washed up were usually teeny. "Now they've become seasonal visitors, perhaps for several weeks, and we're seeing them earlier in the summer, pushed up by warmer currents and breezes from the Atlantic. 'They have long tentacles and their stings are nasty, very unpleasant. "Unlike box jellyfish, the stings are unlikely to be fatal, but Portuguese man o' war are definitely the second nastiest jellyfish in the sea.' Frankie is urging beachgoers to be more prepared when entering the sea. 'We've always been a bit blasé about swimming or paddling in the sea,' she said. 'Whereas people arriving here from overseas are more used to the dangers and come prepared. 'You can get sunburnt in the water very quickly and, with new threats emerging, my advice would be to always cover up.' She recommends UV-protective rash vests and swim boots to avoid stings from jellyfish or weever fish. Frankie warned that jellyfish stings are most likely in the surf zone, especially on the ankles – and old remedies like peeing on the sting can actually make it worse. Instead, apply vinegar or lemon juice, and use a credit card to scrape off any remaining tentacles. Ice and anti-histamines can help with the pain. She added that jellyfish are sensitive to touch and can sting if handled, so it's best to avoid contact altogether. With marine life shifting rapidly due to climate change, Frankie warns this is just the beginning. 'Triggerfish, pufferfish, sunfish – even the Shortfin mako, the world's fastest shark – are making themselves more at home in UK waters,' she said. As Britain's seas warm up, holidaymakers may need to start treating our coastlines with the same caution as tropical ones. And it's not just North Wales feeling the sting. Across the UK and even abroad, jellyfish sightings have been making headlines, with experts and beach patrols issuing warnings as unusual species wash up in growing numbers. In Cornwall, thousands of venomous Mauve Stingers with 10ft tentacles caused what locals described as 'apocalyptic scenes' as they washed ashore. Portuguese man o' war jellyfish were found on the sand, prompting safety cordons and urgent alerts. Experts have also flagged a rise in Compass, Lion's Mane, and Moon jellyfish across the south coast as sea temperatures climb. 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. 2
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Despite What You've Heard, Peeing On A Jellyfish Sting Is NEVER The Answer — Here's Why
Your beach vacation has finally arrived. You're in the ocean, swimming around, floating or even boogie-boarding. And suddenly, you feel a stinging sensation from a jellyfish. Unfortunately, this is pretty common, with 150 million people worldwide getting stung every year. The first remedy you might think of is a common one, and it was even featured in the TV series 'Friends': peeing on the sting. If this comes to mind, you're in good company: According to a national survey by MedStar Health, 44% of people believe that peeing on a jellyfish sting will help soothe it. In reality, though, doctors say it can cause more problems. 'We've all heard the myth about peeing on a jellyfish sting, but it's not just unhelpful — it can actually make the pain worse,' said Dr. Raj Dasgupta, the chief medical adviser for Sleepopolis, who's quadruple-board certified in internal, critical care, pulmonary and sleep medicine. Ahead, he and other doctors explain why peeing on a jellyfish sting is harmful and offer helpful alternatives. First, let's start with a quick science lesson from Dr. Kelly Johnson-Arbor, a toxicologist at MedStar Health who's board-certified in undersea and hyperbaric medicine. She explained that jellyfish tentacles contain barb-like projectiles that are contained within structures called 'nematocysts.' When they touch human skin, the nematocysts discharge the barb-like projectiles, which penetrate the skin and release venom. 'The pain from a jellyfish sting is related to both the skin penetration and the toxins present in the venom,' she added. 'There are multiple species of jellyfish found throughout the world, and the venom characteristics can vary between species and can even differ within the same species.' Interestingly, urine can increase the nematocyst discharge, worsening the pain. 'The problem is, urine can set those off, especially if its chemical makeup isn't right,' Dasgupta said. 'So, instead of calming the sting, you might end up releasing even more venom into the skin.' This has been shown in research, too. This problem can get worse if you have an open wound. 'Urine is not sterile and can thus cause an infection as well,' added Dr. Deepak Khanna, an internist and family medicine physician at Penn Medicine. 'Urinating on a wound or sting can worsen the pain [and] cause a localized infection, which can lead to a systemic reaction, even.' (Aka, a reaction that affects your entire body.) Since peeing isn't the answer, what is? After getting stung by a jellyfish, the first step is to get out of the water — even if it doesn't hurt 'that bad.' 'That sounds obvious, but it's important to stop any more stings and avoid getting hurt further if you're in pain or disoriented,' Dasgupta said. It's true: Severe jellyfish stings can cause confusion and dizziness. They can also cause muscle cramps, Khanna said, which can be especially unsafe when you're in a body of water. (Enough said.) Then, it's time to treat the sting — which is and isn't a simple process. 'Since jellyfish venom can vary among and within species, there are no uniformly effective treatments for all jellyfish stings,' Johnson-Arbor explained. With that said, let's talk about some generally helpful treatments. This may sound gross, but the good news is that you don't have to — and in fact, shouldn't — use your bare hands. 'Use tweezers or even the edge of a credit card to gently scrape them off,' Dasgupta said. 'Don't use your bare hands, or you could end up getting stung [there], too.' Emphasis on the word 'hot.' 'What you don't want to do is rinse with fresh water,' Dasgupta clarified. 'It can actually cause the cells to fire more venom.' Rather, use hot (but not scalding) water, and soak for 20 minutes. 'The heat helps break down the venom and can bring a lot of relief,' he explained. After soaking, Khanna recommended leaving the area alone and taking an NSAID (like aspirin or ibuprofen) if you're still experiencing pain or inflammation. If the sting feels itchy, Johnson-Arbor suggested an anti-itch remedy, like hydrocortisone cream, or an antihistamine like diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Sometimes, a jellyfish sting is just an annoyance. Other times, it can lead to more serious health problems. 'If you notice trouble breathing, chest pain or swelling beyond the sting area, get medical attention right away,' Dasgupta said. 'Some stings can trigger serious allergic reactions.' Some signs of an allergic reaction, according to Khanna, are fever, chills, nausea or vomiting, rigor (aka chills or shivering) and night sweats. Thankfully, the earlier steps are pretty effective, though. 'Most [patients] improved rapidly after proper decontamination and pain control,' Khanna said, speaking to his practice. 'Always speak to your health care provider and seek care before applying any home remedies that you see online.' This Highly-Rated Sunscreen Gel Offers An 'Expensive Facial' Glow, According To Reviewers We're Dermatologists: Here's Exactly How We Protect Our Skin During A Day At The Beach 14 U.S. Beaches That Are Totally Underrated
