HUGE INFLUX OF STINGING JELLYFISH WASHES UP ON CAITHNESS BEACHES

Huge influx of stinging jellyfish washes up on Caithness beaches. Thousands of stinging jellyfish have been washed ashore along the Caithness coastline, prompting warnings for beachgoers and raising questions about whether warming seas and changing ocean conditions are contributing to the unusually high numbers, as reported in The Northern Times.

By Tuesday evening, Reiss beach was covered with thousands of stranded jellyfish. Similar sightings have been reported at Dunnet, Scrabster, Papigoe, Scarfskerry and John O’Groats.

Among the species identified is the lion’s mane jellyfish, one of the largest jellyfish found in UK waters. It is capable of delivering a powerful sting that has been likened to an electric shock.

Members of the Caithness Beach Cleans group said the scale of the strandings had been remarkable, with beaches and harbours covered in jellyfish to the extent that it was difficult to avoid stepping on them.

Photographs examined by the Highland Environment Forum confirmed the presence of lion’s mane jellyfish. While these creatures are commonly found around Scottish coasts during the summer, experts say warmer seas, rising global temperatures and changing ocean currents could be increasing their numbers.

One of the largest specimens recorded this week was photographed at Scrabster, measuring around four and a half feet across. Even detached tentacles can continue to sting after the jellyfish has died, making stranded animals a potential hazard. Hot water is generally recommended to help relieve pain, while antihistamines may help reduce the reaction.

Experienced sailor and diver Jonathan Ball warned that lion’s mane jellyfish can have tentacles stretching up to 50 feet. He advised against walking barefoot on affected beaches, explaining that stings can cause intense pain, swelling and burning sensations. In some cases, people may also experience nausea and stomach pain, although serious allergic reactions are uncommon. Vinegar may help soothe the sting, but anyone suffering a severe reaction or with concerns should seek medical advice.

Local resident Jean McLennan recalled suffering a severe jellyfish sting while swimming off Carnoustie that required emergency medical treatment. Learning that stranded jellyfish can continue to sting even after washing ashore has reinforced the need for caution when walking along beaches.

Dr Peter Richardson, Head of Ocean Recovery at the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), said the UK is currently in the peak of the jellyfish season, with species such as the blue jellyfish and the closely related lion’s mane commonly found around the Scottish coast. While blue and compass jellyfish generally produce stings similar to nettles, the lion’s mane delivers a far more painful sting.

Dr Richardson said there is no known record of anyone dying from a jellyfish sting in the UK, although many people receive painful stings each year. He added that recent years have seen particularly large numbers of jellyfish, especially along Scotland’s north-east coast, where fishermen have reported their nets becoming clogged with the creatures.

The Marine Conservation Society has launched a nationwide jellyfish survey and is encouraging the public to report sightings while avoiding any physical contact with the animals. Beachgoers are urged to keep children and dogs away from stranded jellyfish, as both live and dead specimens can still sting.

Those wishing to contribute to the survey can report sightings through the Marine Conservation Society’s website, which also provides a jellyfish identification guide to help people recognise the species found around the UK coastline.

For more information on the MCS jellyfish survey visit www.mcsuk.org/sightings/

Image by Florian Pircher from Pixabay