Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TMRF) has warned about migratory jellyfish species, which have increased significantly in the Mediterranean provinces in recent days. It was stated that the migratory jellyfish Rhopilema Nomadica entered the Mediterranean from the Suez Canal in the late 1970s and spread rapidly in the central and western parts of the Mediterranean. This species has been reported from Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Lebanon, Cyprus, Greece, Malta, Tunisia, and Italy.
Pointing out that there has been an excessive increase of these jellyfish in February-March in recent years on the coasts of the Eastern Mediterranean, the migratory jellyfish Rhopilema Nomadica, which was first observed in the coasts of Lebanon and Syria, is seen on the coasts of Turkey 1 week later. Many reports were recorded from fishermen and sailors for this species, which was first reported from the eastern coasts of Turkey, namely the Iskenderun and Mersin Gulf, and then from the Antalya Gulf. Observations made with varying frequencies in February continue in March as well. There are frequent reports of jellyfish from the sea and beaches of Antalya, and it is reported that they are washed ashore on the Manavgat Coast.
Reminding that Rhopilema Nomadica increased excessively on the coasts of Antalya in 2009 and 2010 and created negative effects, it was pointed out that the increase in jellyfish abundance in the Mediterranean was experienced in the late spring and summer months in previous years. In the warning, it was stated that the increase in jellyfish, which started at the end of winter with rising seawater temperatures, is likely to increase further in the coming days. In the statement made by TMRF, please be careful. A “Avoid contact” warning was given.
Has incendiary capsules
In the statement, it was stated that clinical effects such as inflammation, itching, skin rash and blistering can be seen when contacted with this species due to its caustic capsules,
Swimmers, divers, amateur and professional fishermen need to be careful and avoid contact with jellyfish. In addition, more serious clinical cases can be seen in allergic bodies. Especially small children should not touch the jellyfish that have washed up on the shores, and if they do, they should not rub their hands on their bodies and eyes. The burning capsule cells in jellyfish burst upon contact with the skin and cause burning and itching. The itching then gives way to pain and redness. Freshwater causes the capsules to burst faster and penetrate the skin. For this reason, it is recommended to wash only the area that has come into contact with salt water, ammonia, or vinegar. In serious injuries, it is necessary to consult a doctor.”
It was stated that Rhopilema Nomadica, which entered the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal, poses a threat to fisheries, tourism, and human health on the Eastern Mediterranean coasts, and it was emphasized that it is very important to establish monitoring programs to reduce the negative effects of jellyfish. TMRF officials called on those who see jellyfish in the sea and on our beaches to report to our foundation via the yayakarsa website (www.yayakarsa.org).
It looks like a bell
The following information was given about the jellyfish. This species, which looks like a bell with its external appearance, do not have appendages on the sides of its body. The caustic capsules are located on the mouth arms and around the umbrella. Its umbrella, which reaches 90 cm in diameter and 10 kg in weight, is pale blue. This species, which came to the Mediterranean from the Red Sea via the Suez Canal, feeds on plankton. It has a very high reproductive potential as it can reproduce both sexually and asexually. Thus, it is more common in a short time and especially in the summer months from June to September and poses a potential danger to swimmers, fishermen, and divers.
