They can reduce the desire to swim quite a bit: Numerous lung jellyfish are currently being sighted again on the beaches in Jesolo, Italy, often referred to as the home beaches of the Austrians (see video from a reader-reporter above). The gelatinous animals may have been washed up on the beaches by high winds.
In individual cases, lung jellyfish can reach a screen diameter of up to 90 centimeters, making them the largest jellyfish species in the Mediterranean. They can be recognized by their white to partly pink screen with a blue to violet border.
They are not dangerous to humans, but contact with their nettle threads can cause discomfort in exceptional cases. In case of contact, the wound should be cleaned with sea water and then cooled with ice.
Experts blame the heat and overfishing of the seas for the increasing number of jellyfish. Accordingly, the warm coastal waters attract the jellyfish, which seek lower salt concentrations and nutrients. At the same time, the number of their natural enemies – larger fish and turtles – is declining in the Mediterranean.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
