A number of Mauve Stinger jellyfish were spotted on Sunday on Portrush’s West Strand by an NIEA member of staff while he was out walking with his family.
Samples of the small purple jellyfish were collected and stored overnight in an aquarium at NIEA’s Coastal Zone before being sent to a laboratory in Queen’s University, Belfast (QUB) which confirmed the jellyfish were the species known as Pelagia noctiluca, (Mauve Stinger).
NIEA Marine Conservation Officer Joe Breen said: “NIEA informed the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s (DARD) Fisheries Division who immediately contacted Northern Salmon.
“A further survey carried out this morning has reported the jellyfish are present at West Strand, East Strand Portrush and White Rocks. No jellyfish have yet been detected further east at Ballycastle beach.
“The species have also been observed in the Republic of Ireland, off the Co Sligo coast.
“However there is no suggestion at this stage that the catastrophic bloom which happened last year off the Co Antrim coast will repeat itself this year.
“NIEA, DARD and QUB staff will continue to monitor the situation. In the meantime, members of the public are advised not to go near these jellyfish which are capable of a nasty powerful sting.”
Notes to Editors
- The Mauve Stinger wiped out £1million worth of salmon at Northern Salmon’s marine farm in Glenarm last year.
- Scientists believe that mass invasions of these tiny purple creatures could return to British coasts over coming years with devastating consequences.
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