What the Hydrobiological Station of Rhodes points out in its announcement – Even if we find a jellyfish on the beach, we avoid contact with bare hands!
Nomadic jellyfish were spotted in the Triante Bay of Rhodes, by the staff of the island’s Hydrobiological Station. As it became known, 4 individuals of the species Rhopilema nomadica were detected yesterday (11/3) and today (12/3).
In his announcement, Y.S. Rodou notes that: “This particular species is endemic to the Red Sea, and the first record of the species in the Mediterranean it was made in 1970.
Rhopilema nomadica, also known as nomadic jellyfish, has a hemispherical shape, transparent – bluish color, while its diameter can reach 1 meter. On the lower surface of the body, there are 8 tentacles with filamentous cysts, i.e. small stings with poison, which if they come into contact with the skin cause severe pain, burning sensation, itching and irritation of the area.
Even if we find a jellyfish on the beach, we avoid contact with bare hands!
In case of skin contact, follow these steps:
- We remove the tentacles or other remnants of the jellyfish, using a plastic card, tweezers, a stick or even a plastic shovel from a children’s toy. We don’t touch the jellyfish with our bare hands!
- Rinse with sea water or vinegar, but without rubbing the area. We do not use fresh water!
- We do not cover the area with bandages.
- As symptoms can vary from person to person, we do not use medicinal preparations without medical advice.
- If pain and swelling persists, consult a doctor.
- In case of an allergic person, that person should contact/go to a doctor or hospital immediately.
Since his decade 1980, periodic outbreaks of the population are recorded in the Greek seas.
The appearance of jellyfish outbreaks is a transient phenomenon that usually lasts from a few hours to a few days, and depends mainly on the sea currents.
At the same time, the increase in the temperature of the planet, and thus of the sea, due to climate change, creates favorable conditions for the appearance of such outbreaks in jellyfish populations.
We typically mention that in previous years, the sea temperature on the coast of Rhodes during the February-March period was usually at 16°C, while this year for the same period, the temperature is almost 19C!
In addition, the decline of sea turtles, whose jellyfish are a staple food, contributes to the increase of the jellyfish population.
In case of sighting of such jellyfish in Rhodes, inform the Rhodes Hydrobiological Station via the Rhodes Aquarium – Hydrobiological Station – HCMR page or via email ([email protected]).
Source: Skai
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