New Zealand beach-goers warned of jellyfish stings

Wellington, Jan 4 (IANS): New Zealand beach-goers, especially in Auckland, have been warned of jellyfish stings, which are a common sight in the waters of the country during this time of the year. Jellyfish are more common in the waters of New Zealand during summer, especially in Auckland, as they follow the plankton bloom.

Summary

Jellyfish expert Dennis Gordon from   NIWA explains that jellyfish feed on  small crustaceans that  increase with more plant plankton.

Jellyfish have weak directional        powers and often get stranded on the  beaches in dense groups.      

New Zealand has around 35 species of  jellyfish, including the moon         jellyfish, the lion’s mane and the spotted jellyfish.                

The lion’s mane and the spotted    jellyfish can cause a very painful sting and should be avoided.

According to The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), jellyfish populations increase in the summer months as the water temperature rises and the daylight hours lengthen. This triggers a surge of plankton, the main food source for jellyfish.

"Jellyfish stay near the surface as they follow food supplies," said NIWA emeritus researcher and jellyfish expert Dennis Gordon. "But they have very little control over where they go, so they often get washed up on the shore by the wind and the waves."

Gordon said that around 35 species of jellyfish are found in New Zealand waters, including the most frequently seen moon jellyfish, lion's mane and spotted jellyfish. He warned that some of these species can deliver a very painful sting, which can cause redness, swelling, itching and even allergic reactions.

"Despite being really beautiful, the lion's mane and spotted jellyfish can produce a very painful sting," he said. "The best thing to do if you get stung is to rinse the area with seawater, not fresh water, and then apply a cold pack or ice. You can also use vinegar or baking soda to neutralize the venom, but do not rub or scratch the area, as this can make it worse."

Gordon advised people to avoid swimming in areas where jellyfish are abundant, and to wear a wetsuit or protective clothing if possible. He also said that people should not touch or pick up jellyfish, even if they appear dead, as they can still sting.

"If you see a jellyfish next to you in the water, the chances are you can out-swim it," he said. "But if you see a lot of them, it's better to get out of the water and find another spot to swim."