By Matt Lobosco |
SHREWSBURY – For the second straight summer a rare yet dangerous species has been discovered lurking in New Jersey recreational waters.
In resuming a study that took place last June through August, professors at Montclair State University have learned that a group of clinging jellyfish has reappeared in Monmouth County. The study, funded by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), followed the observations of the species in the Manasquan River and the Shrewsbury River. These were the first recorded observations of the species in New Jersey.
This year, in the second phase of the study, 17 clinging jellyfish were found in the Shrewsbury River on Friday, June 2.
While last year’s study was used mostly to assess the abundance of clinging jellyfish in New Jersey waters, the main objective of this year’s study is to investigate the breeding patterns of the species and to determine the extent to which the clinging jellyfish population is growing in the waters.
“We have completed our initial focus to determine the prevalence of this rare species. We now look to gain a better understanding of their presence and to what extent they are increasing in these waters,” said DEP Commissioner Bob Martin.
No clinging jellyfish have been found on coastal beaches nor are they expected to be. They prefer to cling to vegetation found in sheltered bay and estuarine waters and areas not heavily used for swimming. For now, the existence of the species in New Jersey appears to be limited to the Shrewsbury River.
According to the Wood Hole Oceanographic Institution, the clinging jellyfish has a red, orange or violet cross along its middle. Both the medusa and polyp stages of the clinging jellyfish are capable of stinging. Clinging jellyfish stings can cause severe pain, muscle weakness and serious medical problems including kidney failure.
No clinging jellyfish have been found on coastal beaches nor are they expected to be. They prefer to cling to vegetation found in sheltered bay and estuarine waters and areas not heavily used for swimming. For now, the existence of the species in New Jersey appears to be limited to the Shrewsbury River.
According to the Wood Hole Oceanographic Institution, the clinging jellyfish has a red, orange or violet cross along its middle. Both the medusa and polyp stages of the clinging jellyfish are capable of stinging. Clinging jellyfish stings can cause severe pain, muscle weakness and serious medical problems including kidney failure.
If stung by a clinging jellyfish:
Apply white vinegar to the affected area to immobilize any remaining stinging cells.
Rinse the area with salt water and remove any remaining tentacle materials using gloves or a thick towel.
A hot compress or cold pack can then be applied to alleviate pain.
If symptoms persist or pain increases instead of subsiding, seek prompt medical attention.
The DEP encourages the public to exercise common sense and caution during recreation in the areas where clinging jellyfish have been discovered. Anyone wading through these areas should take precautions such as wearing waders to protect themselves.
The DEP will release its findings to the public once the study has concluded.
Apply white vinegar to the affected area to immobilize any remaining stinging cells.
Rinse the area with salt water and remove any remaining tentacle materials using gloves or a thick towel.
A hot compress or cold pack can then be applied to alleviate pain.
If symptoms persist or pain increases instead of subsiding, seek prompt medical attention.
The DEP encourages the public to exercise common sense and caution during recreation in the areas where clinging jellyfish have been discovered. Anyone wading through these areas should take precautions such as wearing waders to protect themselves.
The DEP will release its findings to the public once the study has concluded.
This article was first published in the June 8-June 15, 2017 print edition of The Two River Times.
