Subject: Mauve stingers present on Antrim coast 

Folks

 

Just a brief note to confirm that mauve stinger jellyfish (Pelagia noctiluca) have come ashore in considerable numbers at Whitepark Bay. Bushmills Education Centre (Robin Ruddock) alerted NIEA to their presence this morning.

 

With onshore winds and potentially large numbers offshore, it is likely that other aggregations will be stranded along the coast.

 

You may wish to consider a public notice at your beaches, harbours etc advising not to touch these jellyfish and if stung to seek medical advice. There does not appear to be any accepted medical protocol on how to treat jellyfish stings, and individual’s reactions can vary greatly. Coastal councils may also wish to make surf shops etc in their borough aware of their presence as this group is particularly vulnerable.

 

An image is attached for identification purposes – diagnostic features are its small size, the globe shaped bell, warty appearance and overall ‘purplish’ colour. It can glow brightly at night if disturbed, as the second part of its Latin name suggests. Its sting is powerful and can produce a very severe reaction. As you are aware this is the species which wiped out salmon stock at the Glenarm fish farm in November 2007.

 

NIEA has made the fish farm and DARD Fisheries Division aware of their presence.

 

Feel free to use the image attached for information purposes, provided it is credited to NIEA.

 

Dr Jonathan Houghton (QUB) has an expertise in jellyfish ecology and may be a useful contact on mauve stingers – j.houghton@qub.ac.uk and(0) 28 9097 2297.

 

Best wishes

Gary

 

Gary Burrows

Marine Biologist

Conservation Science – Aquatic Science Team

Northern Ireland Environment Agency

 

NIEA Headquarters – 028 9056 9571

Portrush Coastal Zone – 028 7082 3600

 

View our ‘Coast’ web pages at:

www.ni-environment.gov.uk/coast