Visitors warned to stay away from jellyfish on Cleethorpes beach following numerous sightings

LOCALS and holidaymakers are being warned to stay away from jellyfish on Cleethorpes beach.

It comes after several reports of them on the beach at the weekend, and coincides with the release of a survey by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) which shows that 2013 proved to be a record year for jellyfish sightings.

And according to the report, a large number of sightings have already been reported this year as the temperatures continue to soar.

It might be a well-known fact among wildlife experts, but for innocent locals and holidaymakers, bumping into one of these stinging species on one of their many visits to Cleethorpes beach could prove quite a shock.

Rachel Shaw, spokeswoman for the Wildlife Trust, said: "Because the tentacles of jellyfish have stings, which they use to catch their prey, it is important not to touch them. In the case of a severe sting, medical attention should be sought.

"Their sting can vary depending on the species, but children, especially small ones, are going to be hurt if they get stung.

"We'd advise them to leave the jellyfish alone but there is a possibility that if they are washed up they could already be dead.

"We are aware of the survey and we would advise as many people as possible to take part in it."

Relatively little is known about jellyfish in UK waters, but a number of different species are found in the North Sea off the Lincolnshire coast, including moon, compass, blue and lion's mane jellyfish.

The most commonly encountered is the moon jellyfish, which is translucent with four horseshoe-shaped masses – also known as gonads – which are visible near the centre of the body, called the bell.

What part of the coast they come to changes seasonally with changing environmental factors, such as the temperature and levels of sunlight and the amount of food available.

In the spring and summer, food supply increases, as does the number of jellyfish, while in the winter there is less food available in coastal waters so jellyfish move out to deeper water or to the southern, warmer waters.

Depending on the species, stings from jellyfish in UK waters can vary from the severity of a nettle sting to a bee sting – but all have the potential to cause a severe reaction in some people.

When there are jellyfish in the water, North East Lincolnshire Council will put up posters warning visitors of their presence, but it still comes as a shock to visitors who spot them.

Council ecology officer Mike Sleight said there was nothing unusual about the numbers of jellyfish seen along the borough's coast at the weekend.

He added: "We've had a couple of reports of jellyfish sightings but nothing out of the ordinary.

"Where possible we record the numbers and different species spotted and supply information to the Marine Conservation Society and the Natural History Museum to assist with their research."

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