News
Scientists investigate global spread of stinging jellyfish
“Get it off of me! Get it off of me!” shrieked Mary Carman, a marine ecologist at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) as she flailed knee deep in the bath-like water of Farm Pond on Martha’s Vineyard.
She was observing tunicates (also known as sea squirts) in the quiet coastal pond, garbed in a full wetsuit and snorkeling gear as she hovered through the shallow grassy water. She was well covered except for parts of her face, including her lips which became a landing spot for a clinging, stinging jelly.
“The sting was one of the most painful things I’ve experienced in my life—I liken it to being injected by five hypodermic needles simultaneously,” she said.
Despite the ensuing pain and “two days of nausea,” Carman has been back in Farm Pond on several occasions. But instead of looking at tunicates, she’s been collecting samples of the toxic jellies, scientifically known as Gonionemus sp. In the past several years, she, along with WHOI biologist Annette Govindarajan and their colleagues, has been tracking these clinging jellyfish which, according to a new study, appear to be expanding throughout the Cape and Islands region.
Secret hitchhikers
The toxic invader looks like a clear, medium-sized coat button collared with several dozen threadlike tentacles. The tentacles sport adhesive-like pads that allow the animal to stick to eelgrass, seaweeds—and yes, lips too—before emitting venomous neurotoxins that can cause extreme pain, breathing difficulties, and blisters. Their origin is unclear. The jellyfish were abundant in a few New England locations, including Eel Pond in Woods Hole, Mass. in the late 1800s until about 1930, when they all but disappeared after a slime mold decimated most of the region’s eelgrass. Carman and Govindarajan are unaware of any regional reports of stings during this period, although stings had been reported from the Sea of Japan.
The jellies resurged on Cape Cod in the 1990s, with the first documented sting report occurring in 1990 in Waquoit Bay. The first documented Martha’s Vineyard sting occurred in 2006 and it appears that the population has been expanding there ever since. According to the study, in one of the newly colonized sites (Edgartown Great Pond), jellyfish were clustered in a cove with a public boat ramp, suggesting that transport on boat hulls could be promoting their distribution around the island. “The jellyfish have life cycle stages that can be less than a millimeter in size and that adhere to surfaces, so they could very easily be hitchhiking on boats without being seen,” said Govindarajan.
The study points to another factor possibly contributing to the spread: cloning. This particular species is known to have the ability to make multiple copies of itself during various stages of asexual reproduction. “As we analyzed the sex ratio of our samples, we discovered that all of the jellies collected at Edgartown Great Pond were male,” said Govindarajan. “This is consistent with the possibility that this particular population is clonal, and that asexual reproduction is contributing to their spread. But we need more information on the dynamics of these stages, such as how long they can persist and what factors trigger them to produce jellyfish.”
Across the pond
According to the researchers, the toxic jelly outbreak isn’t just a local phenomenon: the animals have been found along the coasts of Russia, Japan, China, the Mediterranean, Argentina, and most recently, along Sweden’s rocky west coast, where just last summer, a number of bathers were stung. That outbreak was documented in another study in which Govindarajan and colleagues from Sweden compared DNA sequences of clinging jellies collected at the site with those found along the US East Coast and other parts of the world, and discovered some genetic similarities.
“We found some common genetic variants occurring in disparate locations where stings have been reported,” said Govindarajan. “We’re not sure what’s triggering these toxic outbreaks – multiple factors may be at play, but human-mediated transport of the tiny, cryptic life stages may have a role globally as well as locally.”
Björn Källström, a marine biologist at Gothenburg Marine Biological Laboratory and co-author of the study, says underwater photographers have observed clinging jellies in Sweden in the past, but last summer marked the first time that people there reported being stung.
“One factor may have been the really hot and dry summer we had last year, which caused water temperatures at the site to surge 3°C above seasonal averages,” he said. “Previous studies have suggested that when ocean temperatures are warmer, clinging jellyfish production is triggered. And when they increase in numbers, more people are likely to encounter and get stung by them.”
Avoiding hot spots
With a host of possible factors at play—anthropogenic transport, warmer ocean temperatures, and the comeback of eelgrass—Govindarajan, Carman, and their international colleagues plan to continue studying the stinging creatures to better understand the intricacies of the spread.
Källström feels that in the near term, the research can help bathers avoid areas where the jellies are likely to disperse.
“Climatologist have predicted another hot, dry summer in Sweden, which means that we could see another outbreak over the next few months,” he said. “And this time, we suspect it may spread to other locations along the coast. So, we’ll be developing models to help predict where the jellies may go, so people know which areas to stay away from.”
Govindarajan agrees. “The more we can learn about how they’re expanding and the types of conditions the jellies are thriving in, the more we’ll be able to identify where the hot spots are and educate the public.”
Gonvindarajan says the community can also help the monitoring effort by reporting sightings of clinging jellies to jellyfish@whoi.edu—although she cautions people to be careful, and to not handle the jellies.
For more information about the work of WHOI please visit their website by clicking here.
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
Blogs
Dive into Adventure at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa: The Ultimate Diving Destination in the Maldives
Tucked away in the remote northern Haa Alifu Atoll, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a premier destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable underwater experience. With over 30 dive sites to explore, divers of all levels can witness the unique and mesmerising beauty of the underwater world. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or new to the sport, Hideaway offers an exceptional diving adventure that is not to be missed.
Explore the Beauty Beneath the Surface
Hideaway is perfectly situated near some of the most spectacular dive sites in the Maldives. The dive school and team at Hideaway offer a very personalised experience to ensure each diver gets an interactive, immersive experience.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Unique dive spots such as Theefaridhoo Thila (Heaven and Hell) as one of the 50 best dive sites in the whole of the Maldives, known for its beautiful soft coral gardens.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
As the resort is located next to a channel which gives guests surprise visits from eagle rays, manta rays, guitar sharks and more.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
One of the standout features of diving in the Haa Alifu Atoll is the abundance of rare and exotic marine species. The area is known for sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and a variety of colorful reef fish. Diving at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers a rare opportunity to encounter these creatures in their natural habitat, creating lifelong memories for guests.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Whether you’re exploring deep coral gardens, dramatic overhangs, or vibrant reef walls, each dive offers something new and exciting. The visibility in the Maldives is exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters, making it ideal for both underwater photography and general exploration.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Diving for All Levels
At Hideaway, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the thrill of diving. That’s why we cater to divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. Our professional dive center, led by expert instructors, offers a range of courses and guided dives. If you’re new to diving, you can start with an introductory course that will teach you the basics of scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
For more experienced divers, we offer advanced dive courses and guided excursions to some of the more challenging dive sites. Our instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about the local marine life, ensuring that every dive is not only safe but also informative and enjoyable.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Exclusive Diving Offer
To make your stay even more unforgettable, Hideaway is offering an exclusive diving package designed to enhance your experience both above and below the water. When you book a minimum 7-night stay, you’ll receive:
- 35% discount on room rates.
- Complimentary diving: 3 dives per person for 2 guests, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Maldives underwater world.
- Free meal plan upgrade: enjoy a complimentary upgrade from Bed & Breakfast to Half Board, or from Half Board to Full Board. Guests who prefer the White Platinum Plan (WPP) can avail it at a discounted rate.
This incredible offer provides the perfect opportunity to experience world-class diving while enjoying all the luxury and comfort that Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is known for.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Combinable Offers for Even More Value
This diving offer can also be combined with our Anniversary and Honeymoon offers, allowing you to create the perfect celebration package. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a romantic getaway, this offer ensures that you can enjoy the best of both worlds – luxurious accommodations and unforgettable diving adventures.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Terms & Conditions
- This offer is available exclusively for bookings made through the official Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa website using a specific booking code.
- The offer cannot be combined with other promotions available on the website or through other channels, nor can it be redeemed for cash.
- All dives are subject to weather conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- Black-out dates: This offer is not available from 24th December 2024 to 9th January 2025.
To book this exquisite offer, use the Promo Code: SCUBA24FD
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Hideaway is not just a resort; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, adventure, and luxury. With spacious villas, private pools, and world-class dining options, the resort offers everything you need for a perfect holiday. From tennis, golf, gym, cycling to the exquisite underwater activities, unique dining options, Hideaway has something for everyone. And for diving enthusiasts, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Our dive center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, ensuring that every dive is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Our instructors are passionate about the underwater world and are eager to share their knowledge with you, whether it’s your first dive or your 100th.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
The Ultimate Dive Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking for an unforgettable diving holiday in the Maldives, look no further than Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. With over 30 dive sites, unique marine life, and exclusive offers, we provide the ultimate underwater experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking adventure, our diving package offers exceptional value and incredible memories.
Book now through our official website to take advantage of this exclusive offer and prepare for the dive adventure of a lifetime.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Call: +960 650-1515
Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
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