Guernsey warning after jellyfish sighting

People in Guernsey are being warned to be careful on the beach after blue jellyfish were spotted off the coast.

The States issued an official warning after reports of sightings at Perelle, Cobo and in Alderney.

The blue jellyfish has tendrils that are about a metre long and can sting like a nettle.

Islanders are being urged not to touch them if they are found washed up on the beach and to try to avoid them when swimming in the sea.

'No vinegar'

Marine biologist Richard Lord said the creatures were driven by prevailing winds. They develop on sea beds and then grow.

He said: "Some people say use vinegar but that can make the stinging tentacles fire more. Cold water is the best way to reduce the intensity of the sting."

Doreen and Charles Langlois went for their daily swim at Cobo on Thursday and were surprised to be surrounded by jellyfish.

Mr Langlois said: "We went down on the to beach and where the tide was low there was one about the size of a side plate and a few smaller ones scattered around on the seaweed."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-guernsey-28256525

Bright blue stinging jellyfish will "definitely" come to North Devon

BRIGHT blue stinging jellyfish have been spotted in their hundreds and will “definitely” come to North Devon, according to an expert. 

The blue jellyfish, or cyanae lamarckii, have long tentacles, a bright blue bell and purple lines running down their insides. 

They can deliver a sting similar to a nettle and can trigger anaphylactic shock in people who happen to be allergic. 

They have been spotted in Newquay, Cornwall and Lawrence Raybone of Ilfracombe Aquarium said their arrival on the shores of North Devon is imminent. 

Read more: 

Blue jellyfish found in Newquay rock pool

A jellyfish usually found in colder waters has been discovered stranded near Newquay, Cornwall.

The unusual blue jellyfish was spotted by a group from the Manor House Activity Centre in St Issey.

The jellyfish, found at Trevone Bay, has been given to the Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay.

"We've seen several washing up over recent weeks but this is the first live specimen we've come across," Lee Charnock from the aquarium said.

"Full-grown specimens can reach up to 15 centimetres in diameter and have metre-long stinging tentacles which they use to catch their prey."

There are more than 200 known species of jellyfish.

The blue jellyfish is usually found in the western Pacific around Japan and off the west coast of Scotland.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-22975830