The Hydro-biological Station of Rhodes issued a statement on Tuesday about the tropical jellyfish that appeared on the beaches of the island in south-eastern Greece. The station not only draw citizens attention to the increased presence of jellyfish Rhopilema nomadica at the beaches of Rhodes it also warns citizens and bathers to avoid even touch the jellyfish washed ashore.
The Hydrobiological Station of Rhodes statement on Facebook:
Dear friends, the tropical jellyfish Rhopilema nomadica that appeared in Rhodes in mid-March, has now been observed on several beaches of our island!
Rhopilema nomadica, also known as the nomadic jellyfish, has a hemispherical shape, a transparent-bluish color and a diameter of usually 30-40 centimeters, although it can reach up to 1 meter. On the lower surface of its 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.
That’s why, even if we find a jellyfish on the beach, we avoid contact with bare hands!
Like all jellyfish, Rhopilema nomadica is a planktonic organism, i.e. it is carried away by sea currents, so its appearance is a transient phenomenon and is directly linked to the hydrodynamic conditions that prevail each time. Since the 1980s, periodic outbreaks of the population have been recorded in the Greek seas. At the same time, the increase in the temperature of the planet and therefore of the sea, due to climate change, creates favorable conditions for the appearance of such outbreaks in jellyfish populations. In addition, the decline of sea turtles, whose jellyfish are a staple food, as well as the over-fishing of large pelagic fish, contributes to the increase in the jellyfish population.
The staff of the Hydrobiological Station of Rhodes/ELKETHE monitors and records the phenomenon and its evolution every day. We would like to thank all the citizens who send us daily records of this species! You are our “eyes” at sea!
Finally, let us recall the basic instructions in case of an unpleasant “encounter” with a Rhopilema nomadica jellyfish:
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, but without rubbing the area. We do not use fresh water!
We do not cover the area with bandages.
We do not use medicinal preparations without medical advice because symptoms can vary from person to person.
If pain and swelling persists, consult a doctor.
In case of an allergic person, this person should contact/go to a doctor or hospital immediately. And a friendly tip: in the peak period of the phenomenon, avoid swimming long distances from the shore so that in the event of a sting you can return quickly and safely , so you can apply the above. Happy and safe diving everyone!, the statement concluded.
The Hydro-biological Station of Rhodes had already warned of the specific jellyfish on March 12, 2024, when just four examples were spotted. KTG reported about it here.
