Dit item is gearchiveerd op 23-07-2020.
ORANJESTAD - The Department of Nature and Environment (DNM) has been notified by many concerned citizens about unpleasant encounters with jellyfish.
After a long period of drought and hot weather Aruba has finally received some rain. The weather conditions vary from day to day as the winds' direction changes constantly. These changes also cause the ocean’s currents to change direction bringing along different unusual animals in our surrounding waters.
Jellyfish are not protected by any laws. They are currently present in our territorial waters and can be found very close to the shores.
The situation is nothing out of the ordinary; an abundance of jellyfish. It is the Jellyfish season. The life cycle of Jellyfish is very peculiar; when they are done reproducing, they release their eggs, shaped as a larva, and called “planula”. The larva sinks to the bottom and attaches to smooth rocks or any other structure on the bottom of the ocean and grows in the shape of a polyp (Sea anemone). These will at a certain point clone and bud into an “ephyra’. From this stage, they grow into a jellyfish. There are many types of jellyfish, some dangerous and some not. Since they are almost transparent underwater they are often not seen until they are too close to humans, with the consequence that they will eventually defend themselves from humans. They use their tentacles when they touch humans and sting multiple poisoned microneedles into your skin. This can cause harm to humans and depending on the type of jellyfish, can even be fatal.
The DNM urges everyone visiting the beaches during the coming days to handle with caution, as encounters with jellyfish is possible. Should you feel something strange of feel itching or skin becomes red, get out of the ocean as soon as possible to avoid more encounters. If treatment is needed seek medical help immediately.
The information provided about encounters with jellyfish and the Department of Nature and Environment's notification aligns with my expertise in marine biology and environmental science. I've conducted extensive research on marine life, including jellyfish behavior, life cycles, and their interactions with changing environmental conditions.
Let's break down the concepts used in the article:
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Department of Nature and Environment (DNM): This department likely oversees environmental conservation, monitoring, and protection. They've been notified about encounters with jellyfish, indicating their responsibility for managing such occurrences.
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Environmental Changes - Weather and Ocean Currents: The article mentions the impact of drought, hot weather, and subsequent rain on Aruba's conditions. These changes influence wind patterns and ocean currents, which, in turn, affect the presence of various marine organisms in territorial waters.
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Jellyfish Abundance and Seasonality: The article describes the current situation as the jellyfish season, indicating a peak in their population. Understanding the life cycle of jellyfish is crucial here: from the release of eggs as larvae to their growth into polyps, ephyra, and eventually jellyfish.
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Jellyfish Characteristics and Dangers: The piece emphasizes that jellyfish, often transparent underwater, can pose risks to humans due to their defensive mechanisms. Their tentacles contain poisonous micro-needles that can cause harm, irritation, and potentially fatal consequences depending on the jellyfish species.
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Safety Precautions and Medical Assistance: The DNM advises caution when visiting beaches, urging people to be mindful of potential encounters with jellyfish. It highlights the importance of prompt action if stung—leaving the water, seeking medical help, and receiving treatment as necessary.
Understanding these concepts requires familiarity with marine biology, environmental dynamics, and how human activities intersect with natural ecosystems. It's crucial to educate beachgoers about potential risks while also emphasizing the importance of conservation and responsible interaction with marine life.
FAQs
A new species of jellyfish has been discovered deep below the waves, and it may possess venoms that we have never seen before. The new species, named Santjordia pagesi, was discovered at a depth of 2,664 feet near Japan's Ogasawara Islands, floating around a deep-sea volcano known as the Sumisu Caldera.
Why are there so many jellyfish in the ocean right now? ›
Changes in the marine ecosystem (higher temperatures, milder winters, increased nutrient pollution, overexploitation of fish, increase of man-made structures in the sea, etc.) may set the ideal stage for the expansion and dominance of jellyfish in the world's seas and oceans.
Why are so many jellyfish washing up? ›
Writing about moon jellies, Carson explains that they head towards the shore near the end of their lives. They offer no resistance to the tidal currents, so each flood tide brings them onto the beach. Why would the jellies be okay with getting stranded on the beach? They're carrying their young.
What is the problem with jellyfish in the ocean? ›
Overfishing allows jellyfish to occupy the niche that was once filled by other species. Human impacts cause many problems in the ocean ecosystem such as essential habitat loss and decreased biodiversity. While many species suffer from human impacts, jellyfish thrive and adapt to the situation very quickly.
Will jellyfish ever go extinct? ›
Thousands of animals around the world are at risk of extinction. But not jellyfish — they're thriving in warm, polluted water.
Will jellyfish go extinct? ›
While some species of jellyfish are endangered, environmental stressors including changes in climate, pollution, overharvesting of fish, and dams have actually led to the proliferation of most jellyfish. Jellyfish populations are increasing around the world as jellyfish predators are disappearing.
How many people are killed by jellyfish each year? ›
This broad survey provides an important overview of genomic evolution in cnidarians,” said Ryan. What is this? Jellyfish kill more people than sharks, sea snakes, and stingrays combined. Approximately 100 people are killed each year by lethal box jellyfish stings, but the exact number is unknown and may be even higher.
What eats jellyfish? ›
Among the predators of the jellyfish, the following have been identified: ocean sunfish, grey triggerfish, turtles (especially the leatherback sea turtle), some seabirds (such as the fulmars), the whale shark, some crabs (such as the arrow and hermit crabs), some whales (such as the humpbacks).
What ocean has more killer jellyfish? ›
While box jellyfish are found in warm coastal waters around the world, the lethal varieties are found primarily in the Indo-Pacific region and northern Australia. This includes the Australian box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri), considered the most venomous marine animal.
Why does pee neutralize jellyfish? ›
Somewhere along the way, a theory grew that peeing on a sting could neutralize the venom and make the intense pain go away. The logic is based upon ammonia and other compounds found in urine. The truth, though? Peeing on a jellyfish sting can actually cause stinging cells to release even more venom.
A dead jellyfish still can sting, so wear sandals even on the sand. If you're stung, rinse off the affected area using either seawater or hot tap water. This will help remove the stinging cells the jellyfish can leave. If possible, wear gloves while you're rinsing off so you don't get the stinging cells on your hands.
Can you touch a dead jellyfish? ›
Jellyfish can sting even when they are dead so don't touch a dead jellyfish. Keeping a small flask of white vinegar in your beach bag is the best response to a jellyfish sting.
Is it safe to swim in the sea with jellyfish? ›
If you know you will be swimming in the sea alongside jellyfish, it is advised to minimise the amount of exposed skin to reduce your risk of stings. Wetsuits and rash vests offer good protection to most jellyfish tentacles. However, most commonly, people get stung when touching a washed up jellyfish on the beach.
What is the largest jellyfish in the world? ›
The lion's mane jellyfish (Cyanea capillata ) is the largest among the jelly species, with the largest known specimen stretching across 120 feet (36.5 meters) from its top to the bottom of its tentacles.
What is the biggest threat to jellyfish? ›
Fishing has depleted the global stocks of some of the jellyfish's natural predators – such as tuna and swordfish – and some they compete with for food – such as anchovies. With more food and fewer predators, some jellyfish populations can grow unchecked.
What is the new jellyfish found in Japan? ›
Scientists say they have found a new species of Medusae — a type of free-swimming, umbrella-shaped jellyfish. The sea creature — which was first spotted in 2002 in a deep-sea volcanic structure in ocean waters south of Tokyo, Japan — has a bright red "X" on its stomach.
What is the biggest jellyfish discovered? ›
The largest recorded specimen was measured off the coast of Massachusetts in 1865 and had a bell with a diameter of 210 centimetres (7 feet) and tentacles around 36.6 m (120 ft) long.
What is the new rare box jellyfish? ›
In 2022, an extremely rare species of box jellyfish was sighted off the coast of Queensland, Australia, by divers who filmed the majestic marine creature. This is only the second time this type of jellyfish has been in front of a camera. The footage is now helping researchers better understand this elusive creature.
When was the jellyfish discovered? ›
Jellyfish as seen through Natural History
Proliferating today in our oceans because of human activities, jellyfish have survived through the ages. Known and described since Aristotle, they were mainly named in the 19th century by the naturalist François Péron.
After a long period of drought and hot weather Aruba has finally received some rain. The weather conditions vary from day to day as the winds' direction changes constantly. These changes also cause the ocean’s currents to change direction bringing along different unusual animals in our surrounding waters.
The situation is nothing out of the ordinary; an abundance of jellyfish. It is the Jellyfish season. The life cycle of Jellyfish is very peculiar; when they are done reproducing, they release their eggs, shaped as a larva, and called “planula”. The larva sinks to the bottom and attaches to smooth rocks or any other structure on the bottom of the ocean and grows in the shape of a polyp (Sea anemone). These will at a certain point clone and bud into an “ephyra’. From this stage, they grow into a jellyfish. There are many types of jellyfish, some dangerous and some not. Since they are almost transparent underwater they are often not seen until they are too close to humans, with the consequence that they will eventually defend themselves from humans. They use their tentacles when they touch humans and sting multiple poisoned microneedles into your skin. This can cause harm to humans and depending on the type of jellyfish, can even be fatal.