WHAT THE JELL
Apocalyptic scenes as THOUSANDS of jellyfish wash up in top tourist hotspot & experts reveal cause of sudden spike
This is not their first surprise visit
THOUSANDS of moon jellyfish have washed up off a UK beach in scenes that locals are saying is "like the apocalypse".
Shocked Saira Franklin had to abandon her paddle boarding session after spotting them.
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The moon jellyfish, which can give a mild sting, live in the Atlantic.
They were spotted at Broadsands Beach in Ilfracombe, Devon.
Saira, from Liskeard, Cornwall, told : “I’ve never seen anything on that scale ever.
“We were paddle boarding at another beach close by first and there were a few jellyfish that we spotted every now and again.
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“Maybe we saw six in total in an hour of paddle boarding.
“The next day before we left to head back to Cornwall we stopped off at Broadsands Beach.
“I thought it would be nice to have another paddle board before we went but there was no way you could wade out into the water.
“It was like a sea of actual jelly. There were thousands of them.
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“There were a few others with purple bits that one beach-goer told us would sting like bad stinging nettles but they were still in the water.
“My kids found it fascinating.”
She added: "There were so many of them dead on the shore, it was like the apocalypse."
This is not the first time the "harmless" creatures have washed up on UK shores.
On June 28, hundreds of moon jellyfish were spotted in
North Somerset Council explained: "It’s been caused by the prevailing tides and winds, and it’s likely to be the case for a few days.
"Please don’t worry. We believe they’re Moon jellyfish and they’re harmless. They do have a mild sting - like a nettle - that can be treated with salt water.
"Please don't touch them and be careful with your dogs so they don’t accidentally eat something they really shouldn’t!"
The NHS has information on first aid treatment for stings and recommends people seek medical advice for swelling or if in severe pain.
What are moon jellyfish?
According to the moon jellyfish or moon jelly is the "most common jellyfish in UK seas, often washing up on our beaches.
How are they identified?
- Round, dome-shaped jelly, translucent with four purple circular markings around the centre.
- Size of a plate.
- They float just below the surface of the water.
- They have short, delicate tentacles that hang down from the sides of the bell.
Facts and figures
- Diameter: 5-40cm
- Lifespan: Unlikely to live past 6 months in the wild; Little over 1 year in captivity.
- Two main stages to their life cycle: polyp and medusa.
- Habitats: Marine
- Conservation status: Common
- When to see: January to December
- Category: Jellyfish
- Scientific name: Aurelia aurita
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