News
JELLYFISH IN THE MAR MENOR
Carolyne Howe / 2005-07-04 15:41:46
This year, the Ministry of Agriculture has begun installing jellyfish nets on eighteen beaches in the Cartagena area, with the majority of nets placed around the waters of the Mar Menor.
The Estacion canal will also be closed off to stop jellyfish passing from the Mediterranean into the Mar Menor.
Each net is fifty metres long and made from nylon and plastic with holes in the nets of only 14mm which will stop even the smallest jellyfish from passing through.
Awareness is being raised of the net placements to inform not only swimmers but also boats and jet skiers. They are marked by luminous bouys. This should be a very effective way of stopping the jellyfish problem of the last few years.
Jellyfish do not deliberately sting. Their tentacles automatically release poison barbs when they brush up an object. A jellyfish sting is painful but, in this part of the world, not lethal unless you have a severe allergic reaction.
If you are stung, alert a lifeguard. All the lifeguards on Costa Blanca beaches are trained to give first aid for jellyfish stings. If no life guard is available, then brush off any tentacles using an object. Do not use your hands unless you are wearing gloves. Pour vinegar over the wound to disable the stinging cells. If vinegar is not available, rinse the wound with sea water. Put ice on the area to help reduce the pain.
Tags: Jellyfish, Mar Menor
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