Jellyfish Watch

By Scott Groseclose

School is about to begin for many and Summer is coming to a close but the Jellyfish season is in high gear along the coast. After returning from the South Carolina Coast I’m happy not surprised to report that the Jellyfish and Sea Nettle populations are doing very well this year. With higher water temperatures brings larger and more concentrated populations of the relatively harmless Cannonball Jellyfish and venomous Atlantic Sea Nettles, Chrysaora quinquecirrha. What I didn’t realize is that there have been reports of box jellyfish (Chiropsalmus quadrumanus) or four handed jellyfish as they are commonly called; in the Myrtle Beach area. Fortunately these jellyfish are not as common as our Cannonball Jellyfish but they can be found in the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean. The sting is venomous and dangerous to humans, especially children.

Not to be confused with the most venomous marine animal in the world, the Australian Box Jellyfish (hironex fleckeri) these jellies can still pack a very powerful sting and scaring can last for months in some cases. Apart from pain and scaring from the four handed jellyfish, symptoms include cardiac dysfunction and respiratory depression (slowed breathing). Anti-venom administered within a few hours relieves the pain somewhat and reduces the severity of the rash, and improves other symptoms. In extreme cases, cardiopulmonary resuscitation can be effective if started promptly.

If you are planning a visit to your favorite beach then you might want to consider visiting the Jellyfish Watch not for profit website.

Read more here: Aqua Nerd