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Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Science
- Daily Mirror
Brits issued warning as UK beaches invaded by jellyfish with 'painful stings'
As the waters off England, Ireland, Wales and even as far north as Scotland get warmer, they become a more favourable environment for the reproduction and survival of jellyfish Jellyfish populations have 'exploded' off the UK coast, with a marine biologist warning that stingrays could be next. As the waters off England, Ireland, Wales and even as far north as Scotland get warmer, they become a more favourable environment for the reproduction and survival of jellyfish, leading to a booming population of them in British and Irish seas - and even rivers. In 2023, a report by the Marine Conservation Society revealed a 32% rise in jellyfish sightings in UK and Irish waters over 12 months, with 11% of those spotted coming in large blooms of over 100 individuals. That is an increase of 57% from the year before. While the blobby creatures are fascinating to look at and wobble with a spade when they get marooned on the sand, they can, in many cases, deliver a painful sting to bathers. Although in the UK none are known to be fatal, they can seriously ruin a day at the beach. Even more so if you fall for the old wives' remedy of urine, which not only doesn't get rid of the pain, it can make it worse. READ MORE: Woman sells everything she owns to move onto a cruise 'with no end' Genevieve Watson, biologist and water data consultant at KISTERS, explains why jellyfish are becoming a more common sight in the waters off Britain. '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," she said. "This is something that feels particularly noticeable as we are seeing these changes happening within our lifetimes. 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. "It's most noticeable with jellyfish, as they are able to thrive in conditions that other marine life may not, because of their higher resilience to warmer temperatures. We've seen increased reports over recent years of jellyfish blooms on the Welsh coast as their population has exploded due to increasingly warm waters, it's highly possible that stingrays could be next.' There are multiple jellyfish species currently living in UK waters. They are: Moon Jellyfish (Aurelia aurita): This jellyfish has a translucent dome shaped bell with four distinct horseshoe-shaped purple rings (called gonads) visible through its bell. This jellyfish delivers a mild sting. The most commong jellyfish in british waters, hundreds of these have been spotted in the waters and washed up near Porthmadog this month. Lion's Mane Jellyfish (Cyanea capillata): This jellyfish is usually a yellow, orange or brown colour and is famous for its long and trailing tentacles. It can deliver a painful sting if you encounter it while swimming. Barrel Jellyfish (Rhizostoma pulmo): This large mushroom shaped jellyfish can be white, baby pink or pale blue and is sometimes fringed with purple markings, it has a large, robust bell and is usually white or pale blue. Its sting is usually mild. Compass Jellyfish (Chrysaora hysoscella): This jellyfish has a clear or yellow-tinted bell and has distinctive brown markings that radiate from its centre like a compass. It can deliver a painful sting. These are fequently spotted on the waters around Anglesey. Mauve Stinger (Pelagia noctiluca): As its name would suggest, this jellyfish has a deep purple coloured bell with dark wart-like patterns. It has four frilled arms and eight long tentacles. Another jellyfish known for its painful sting. Portuguese Man o' War (Physalia physalis): Technically not a jellyfish; however, if its long, venomous tentacles deliver a serious sting, you're unlikely to be too worried about technicalities. Its trailing tentacles are attached to a distinctive blue, balloon-like float. Keep pets and children away from them if spotted.
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Science
- Wales Online
Jellyfish populations are blooming in warming Welsh waters and that's just the start
Jellyfish populations are blooming in warming Welsh waters and that's just the start Rising sea temperatures mean new marine life will enter Welsh waters and some of it will give you a painful sting if you get too close A moon jellyfish (Image: Kora27/Wiki ) Biologists have warned that jellyfish will likely wash up on Welsh beaches in their masses this summer, and be in the sea amongst swimmers as they continue to invade Welsh waters. As the waters off England, Ireland, Wales and even as far north as Scotland get warmer, they create a more favourable environment for the reproduction and survival of jellyfish, leading to a booming population of them in British and Irish seas - and even in some rivers. While these creatures are fascinating, they can, in many cases, deliver a painful sting to bathers. In the UK none are known to be fatal, but they can seriously ruin a day at the beach. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here It's also worth remembering that if they sting small children and pets they can cause serious reactions. So, it's worth knowing which jellyfish you've encountered and which ones to avoid. Jellyfish species currently living the UK include: Moon Jellyfish (Aurelia aurita): This jellyfish has a translucent dome shaped bell with four distinct horseshoe-shaped purple rings (called gonads) visible through its bell. This jellyfish delivers a mild sting. The most common jellyfish in British waters, hundreds of these have been spotted in the water and washed up near Porthmadog this month. Article continues below Thousands of these appeared on the West coast of Wales earlier this month. Lion's Mane Jellyfish (Cyanea capillata): This jellyfish is usually a yellow, orange or brown colour and is famous for its long and trailing tentacles. It can deliver a painful sting if you encounter it while swimming. Barrel Jellyfish (Rhizostoma pulmo): This large mushroom shaped jellyfish can be white, baby pink or pale blue and is sometimes fringed with purple markings, it has a large, robust bell and is usually white or pale blue. Its sting is usually mild. Compass Jellyfish (Chrysaora hysoscella): This Jellyfish has a clear or yellow tinged bell and has distinctive brown markings that radiate from its centre like a compass. It can deliver a painful sting. These are frequently spotted in the waters around Anglesey. Mauve Stinger (Pelagia noctiluca): As its name would suggest this jellyfish had a deep purple coloured bell with dark wart-like patterns. It has four frilled arms and eight long tentacles. Another jellyfish known for its painful sting. Genevieve Watson, biologist at KISTERS explained that Jellyfish had become a common sight on British beaches in recent years because of rising sea temperatures. She said: "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. "This is something that feels particularly noticeable as we are seeing these changes happening within our lifetimes. "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. Article continues below "It's most noticeable with jellyfish, as they are able to thrive in conditions that other marine life may not, because of their higher resilience to warmer temperatures. "We've seen increased reports over recent years of jellyfish blooms on the Welsh coast as their population has exploded due to increasingly warm waters, it's highly possible that stingrays could be next."
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 Sun
16-06-2025
- Health
- The 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, 1,000s of jellyfish have been spotted on beaches across the country. 2 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. 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. 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.' 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. 2
