Summer has arrived, bringing with it the presence of purple jellyfish in Greek waters, marking another season of their return to the area.
As reported by the Hellenic Biodiversity Observatory, there has been a notable increase in sightings of purple jellyfish, particularly around Chalkida and the northern Evian Gulf.
“Northern Evia is currently facing a significant issue, serving as an outlet from the Pagasetic Gulf to the open sea. The Pagasetic Gulf itself continues to harbor jellyfish, especially along its eastern shores. The outbreak has extended to the Northern Sporades, with confirmed sightings in Skiathos and Skopelos,” officials stated.
The Observatory advises swimmers in affected areas to “exercise extreme caution.”
“Pelagia noctiluca is an impressive yet hazardous species due to its painful sting,” the Observatory cautions, noting that the same patterns observed during the major jellyfish outbreak from 2020 to 2023 are resurfacing. Presently, Gibraltar faces the most serious situation, with similar outbreaks reported in Spain, France, Italy, and the Adriatic.”
Full Announcement:
Unfortunately, our initial assessments regarding the scale of the purple jellyfish outbreak in the Pagasetic Gulf and nearby regions were underestimated due to limited public reporting, distorting the actual situation.
Currently, the outbreak is spreading much faster than anticipated, with reliable reports emerging from:
– Chalkida and the Northern Evian Gulf, where the issue worsens further north
– Northern Evia, already experiencing serious challenges as it serves as the Pagasetic Gulf’s outlet
– The Pagasetic Gulf, where jellyfish predominantly occupy the eastern coastline
– The Northern Sporades, with confirmed sightings in Skiathos and Skopelos
If you plan to swim or visit beaches in these areas, please be particularly cautious.
Pelagia noctiluca is a fascinating yet dangerous species due to the severity of its sting.
We encourage reports to be submitted to iNaturalist for expert confirmation and public sharing with both the scientific community and general public.
Similar signs from the major purple jellyfish outbreak in the Mediterranean between 2020 and 2023 are emerging again, with Gibraltar currently facing the most severe conditions. Other outbreaks have also been reported in Spain, France, Italy, and the Adriatic Sea.
What is the Purple Jellyfish?
The purple jellyfish, also known as stinger (scientific name: Pelagia noctiluca), belongs to the Pelagiidae family and is the only species recognized in its genus. Its name is derived from Greek (pelagia meaning “of the sea”) and Latin (noctiluca from nox for night and lux for light), indicating a marine organism capable of bioluminescence. This jellyfish is found globally in tropical and warm temperate seas, though records from the North Atlantic, including the Mediterranean and Gulf of Mexico, may pertain to closely related yet unidentified species.
This jellyfish is relatively small and features a multicolored appearance; both its tentacles and bell are covered with stinging cells. Stings are common and can be painful, with symptoms lasting for an extended period, although they are typically not life-threatening. Nevertheless, swarms of Pelagia noctiluca have been known to devastate entire fish farms, prompting extensive scientific study of this species.
Symptoms of a Purple Jellyfish Sting
Contact with stinging cells (nematocysts) causes redness, swelling, and a burning sensation on the skin. In some cases, severe dermonecrotic, cardiac, or neurotoxic reactions may occur, especially in sensitive individuals.
Common symptoms include:
– Burning pain
– Intense skin redness
– Occasionally, a visible jellyfish imprint
– Nausea
– Drop in blood pressure
– Rapid heartbeat
– Headache
– Vomiting
– Diarrhea
– Bronchial spasms
– Shortness of breath
In rare instances, systemic symptoms may arise, including:
– Hypotension (low blood pressure)
– Hoarseness
– Wheezing during inhalation
– Generalized swelling and rash
– Altered consciousness or communication
– Vomiting
If any systemic symptoms appear, immediate medical attention is essential.
What to Do If You’re Stung by a Purple Jellyfish
– Carefully remove any tentacles stuck to the skin, avoiding bare hands to prevent additional stings.
– Rinse the area thoroughly with seawater; if unavailable, use sand to rub the area for removal of tentacle fragments. Avoid fresh water, as it may activate remaining stinging cells.
– Apply ice or cold compresses to alleviate local skin reactions.
– Use a corticosteroid cream to minimize inflammation and relieve pain and itching.
– Take an antihistamine pill to address systemic allergic symptoms, particularly for larger skin areas.
– Seek medical assistance if symptoms are severe or persistent, as a corticosteroid injection may be necessary. Promptly visit a hospital or health center.
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