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Jellyfish
Can "Sting" Spring Break in Gulf Waters
MOBILE, March 12---In
just a few weeks, thousands of high school and college students will
head for the beaches in Alabama and Florida during spring break.
It's usually a time for fun and relaxation for students, but for
those planning to swim in the gulf waters, it could bring some
painful experiences because of jellyfish.
 Alabama
waters contain about 60 kinds of jellyfish, says Richard Wallace, a
marine specialist with the Auburn University Marine Extension
Research Center in Mobile. Some of the more common kinds include the
jellyball, sea nettle, Portuguese man-of-war, oceanic jelly, moon
jellyfish, sea wasp and mushroom jelly.
Jellyfish belong to a
group of simple, multicellular animals that include sea anemones,
corals and hydroids. These sea creatures all have stinging cells on
their tentacles.
"The stinging cells
contain a barbed structure that looks like a miniature harpoon with
a long thin tube attached to it," says Wallace. "Each
stinging cell is fitted with a hairlike trigger and spring-loaded
trap door. When the trigger is touched, the trap door opens and the
little harpoon is ejected by water pressure. The sting is caused
when the by tiny harpoon penetrates the skin and ejects toxins from
the long tube."
Most jellyfish stings
are easily treated by cleaning the area with alcohol or vinegar,
followed by putting meat tenderizer on the affected area. Avoid
treating with fresh water or rubbing with a towel since this will
stimulate stinging cells to discharge. All sting victims should be
watched for cardiac or respiratory problems or shock. Anyone stung
over a large portion of their body, should receive immediate medical
attention.
Wallace says jellyfish
are an interesting and colorful addition to our marine environment.
They provide food for sea turtles and spade fish. He suggests humans
treat jellyfish with the same regard as they do bees, wasps and
hornets.
SOURCE: Richard Wallace,
Extension Marine Specialist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System,
(334) 438-5690
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