Marine stinger season is well and truly here and grey nomads and others are being told to be on high alert when venturing into warm northern waters.
While deadly box jellyfish can be found in some areas at any time, they tend to be at the most prevalent from now until the end of May next year.
However, it is not just creatures such as the feared and potentially fatal box jellyfish that are cause for concern, and it is not just topical waters, where spineless ocean-dwelling creatures are causing headaches for travellers.
In the Gold Coast, for example, a freakishly high number of jellyfish and bluebottles invaded the beach areas last year. More than 3400 swimmers were stung and needed treatment by lifesavers.
While most stings were minor, 74 people victims needed either significant medical attention or were taken to hospital.
The figures, which show the number of stings was more than three times higher than the previous year, are contained revealed in Surf Life Saving Queensland’s 2012-13 annual report.
Experts warn masses of jellyfish and bluebottles could threaten the Gold Coast’s tourism industry. James Cook University stinger expert Jamie Seymour told the Gold Coast Bulletin that next to nothing was known about the breeding habits of jellyfish.
“It could affect huge industries such as tourism and at this stage we have absolutely no idea why it happens,” he said. “”One day there are millions of bluebottles floating around and the next day there are none. It is basically a lottery.”
Sea World Marine Sciences director Trevor Long said a combination of wild, northerly winds and warmer temperatures could be contributing to the swelling stinger numbers.
“Stinger populations grow on the Gold Coast when we get strong northeasterly winds,” he told the Gold Coast Bulletin. “They are literally blown into town from areas that are warmer.
Last year, lifesavers recorded 6882 minor stings in Queensland as a whole, and 177 major incidents.
Have you had a close encounter with a marine nasty? Do you venture into waters in ‘stinger season?’ Comment below.
The Jelly fish breed in China and then float to Japan’s west coast, They are a metre across, Billions of them, Wiped out the west coast of Japans fishing industry,
This is a new phenomenom, Never happened before,
Wear Panty hose, The stings dont get through, So I have been told,
You can buy thin lycra stinger suits. They are neck to toe and are 100% stinger proof! Unfortunately I have a long back and mine doesn’t fit!