Thousands of jellyfish wash up on brittany beaches

THE SPECIES, USUALLY FOUND IN WARMER MEDITERRANEAN WATERS, WERE BROUGHT IN BY STORMS Tens of thousands of stinging jellyfish have been washed up on beaches in south Finistère, Brittany, in

recent days.  The jellyfish, which have been identified as Pelagia Noctiluca (Mauve Stinger), are pinkish-brown in colour and can sting if touched or stepped on even if dead. Read also: New

jellyfish warning for beaches in the south of France This species of jellyfish is usually found in warmer Mediterranean waters, however tropical storms have brought them to the shores of

Concarneau in north-west France.  Dominique Barthelemy, curator at Océanopolis in Brest, told 20 Minutes: “it is quite common in late summer or early autumn to see jellyfish washing up on

Brittany's coasts.” He believes that climate change is responsible for the increasing global jellyfish population.  It is therefore likely that the phenomenon will happen again with

future storms, as marine animals enjoy warm water currents. Read also: Endurance swimmer Noam Yaron's 180km Mediterranean swim for environmental awareness Mr Barthelemy warns against

touching the jellyfish as they can sting which can even lead to anaphylactic shock. Beachgoers should also avoid covering jellyfish with sand as this makes them harder to see and so easier

to accidentally step on. WHAT TO DO IF STUNG If stung by a jellyfish, it is advised to: * Rinse the area with seawater. Do not use fresh water or urinate on the sting (a reported way to

help) as this ‘liberates’ and diffuses the venom, causing more pain. * Apply warm sand to any irritating filaments left on the skin and scrape gently with the side of a postcard / equivalent

to remove them. * Disinfect the area with a disinfectant cream or wipe. Avoid touching or scratching the sting and keep it dry. > #prévention #méduses >  > Depuis quelques jours, 

les eaux et plages du Finistère Sud sont > envahies de méduses urticantes. Il est important de ne pas les > toucher pour ne pas être piqué. 🪼 >  > 👉 Même échouées et mortes, les 

méduses conservent leur venin > : elles peuvent encore piquer.… pic.twitter.com/vV3NZriuyo > — Préfet du Finistère (@Prefet29) October 31, 2024 The Finistère Prefecture has also issued

a reminder to avoid touching your face or rubbing your eyes if stung. Stings usually get better on their own. However if experiencing severe swelling or an allergic reaction, seek help from

a medical professional. Read also: Which fish is biting (a few) holidaymakers on France’s southern coast?