Mauve stinger jellyfish returns to north Antrim coast

Marine biologists at the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) were this week alerted to significant numbers of small purple jellyfish stranding at Whitepark Bay, County Antrim.

The description provided was wholly consistent with that of the mauve stinger jellyfish, Pelagia noctiluca, which led to the deaths of more than 100,000 salmon at Northern Ireland’s only marine fish farm, Northern Salmon, in November 2007.

A site visit quickly confirmed the species as the mauve stinger. NIEA scientists informed the owners of the fish farm of the species presence in the inshore waters and also contacted officers at the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's Fisheries Division, who are responsible for managing the interests of the Northern Ireland sea fisheries industry.

The Agency also made contact with the National Trust, as managers of the beach and each of the local coastal councils, informing them that the jellyfish had been observed coming ashore in large numbers and advising that the public visiting their sites that they should avoid any contact with them and seek medical advice if stung.

NIEA marine biologist Gary Burrows explained the characteristics of the species: "The Pelagia noctiluca are small in size, have a globe-shaped bell, a warty appearance and are an overall ‘purplish’ colour. It can glow brightly at night if disturbed, as the second part of its Latin name suggests. Its sting is powerful and can produce a very severe reaction."

Whilst mass strandings of jellyfish are partially a reflection of persistent onshore winds, there is a growing consensus that a combination of climate change and overfishing is resulting in increases in both the abundance and frequency of jellyfish blooms throughout the North Atlantic. Warmer seas increase the rates of reproduction in some species and overfishing of species such as tuna and swordfish has also removed many of the jellyfish’s natural predators.

Mr Burrows continued: "Whilst numbers stranded locally were impressive, there are no indications at this stage of a substantial bloom on the scale of the 2007 event. NIEA will continue to monitor jellyfish blooms through its ongoing marine surveillance programmes and inform DARD and local authorities of any further developments. Support to scientists studying jellyfish aggregations will continue through the provision of samples and periodic plankton trawls onboard the NIEA research vessel."

Notes to Editors:

1. The aim of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency is to protect, conserve and promote the natural environment and built heritage for the benefit of present and future generations. Its vision is to have a healthy and well protected environment and heritage in Northern Ireland which contributes to the social and economic wellbeing of the whole community.

2. More than half of Northern Ireland’s wildlife and habitats are found in the sea.

3. At least eight species of jellyfish are regularly recorded in Northern Ireland waters, including moon, lion’s mane, compass, root mouth, by-the-wind-sailor, blue, Portuguese Man-of-War and mauve stinger (some are hydranths or hydrozoans, not true jellyfish)

4. Half of jellyfish species present in Northern Ireland will produce a powerful sting.

5. All media enquiries should be directed to the DOE Press Office 028 9054 0003. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.