Marine life is a mysterious wonder on its own, with most of our planet’s deep oceans yet to be discovered. Boasting sea creatures of all shapes and sizes, the waters around the UK and Ireland are just as fascinating, bringing a more diverse marine ecosystem with rising water temperatures. As a result, the UK is already no stranger to a myriad of jellyfish species, and stingrays could join them soon enough.
Genevieve Watson, a biologist at KISTERS, has explained why we are seeing more jellyfish on UK beaches and rivers, as well as the high probability of more frequent sightings of stingrays in the future. Global warming has been sighted as the culprit for marine migration, resulting in the rise of sea temperatures.
What is more, while jellyfish are fascinating to witness, they do sting. Thankfully, we (mostly) do not have to worry about deadly stings, but accidentally brushing against its tentacles can still ruin a day out.
Why are the UK and Irish waters seeing more jellyfish?
Genevieve Watson 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.
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 British and Irish coast as their population has exploded due to increasingly warm waters, it’s highly possible that stingrays could be next.”
Types of jellyfish witnessed in UK waters and which ones should you avoid?
Portuguese Man o’ War (Physalia physalis) is not exactly a jellyfish, yet it is the one to be most worried about if you do come across it. Known for its long venomous tentacles, the creature can deliver a serious sting. You can recognise it by the distinctive blue, balloon-like float with long tentacles underwater, so do keep pets and children away from them if spotted.
Moon Jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) boasts a translucent dome-shaped bell with four distinct horseshoe-shaped purple rings, this jellyfish delivers a mild sting.
Lion’s Mane Jellyfish (Cyanea capillata) has a yellow, orange or brown colour and is known for its long and trailing tentacles, which can offer a painful sting while in the water.
Barrel Jellyfish (Rhizostoma pulmo) is large in size and mushroom-shaped, and can be white, baby pink or pale blue. Fringed with purple markings at times, the jellyfish has a big bell and is usually white or pale blue, delivering a mild sting.
Compass Jellyfish (Chrysaora hysoscella) boasts a clear or yellow-tinged bell, with obvious brown markings that “radiate from its centre like a compass”. This jellyfish is known to deliver a painful sting.
Mauve Stinger (Pelagia noctiluca) has its name for a reason, with a deep purple-coloured bell with a dark wart-like pattern, as well as four frilled arms and eight long tentacles. The jellyfish should be steered clear of, as its sting can be very painful.
What do I do if I get stung?
If you do end up getting stung, stay calm and seek medical help as soon as possible. Rinse the area with seawater, and soak it in warm water for at least 30 minutes. And if there are any tentacles still stuck on the skin, make sure not to touch any tentacles and use tweezers or anything that can scrape them off. It is also advised to avoid any rubbing as that can make things worse.