Ghosts of the Mediterranean: Jellyfish on the rise in Italy

An encounter with the lung jellyfish can end painfully _{Photo: stock.adobe.com/Paolo Borella}

From our editorial team

Jellyfish are no longer an exception. They are appearing more and more frequently on Italy's coasts - silent, weightless and sometimes uncomfortably close.

Just a few years ago, an encounter with them was considered rare. Today, they are part of the summer months in many places: sometimes as individuals, sometimes as a shimmering group under the surface of the water. Particularly along the Adriatic, but also around SicilySardinia or the Gulf of Naples, they are regularly spotted. The questions come with them:

• Why jellyfish are multiplying in the Mediterranean
• ... and what humans have to do with it
• Where to find jellyfish
• These jellyfish can be found on Italy's coasts
• Beware of this special case
• What to do if you have been caught

Silent, weightless, suddenly there

The fact that jellyfish feel so comfortable is not down to them. The Mediterranean is getting warmer - and faster than most other seas in the world. In some summers, the water temperature is five degrees above the long-term average. For jellyfish, this means more time to reproduce, greater chances of survival and larger populations.

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A sea that is out of balance

There is also a second, man-made factor: overfishing. Many jellyfish feed on microorganisms - the same food source as numerous fish species. The less competition, the better for the medusae. At the same time, their predators are disappearing. What used to be balanced is shifting - and becoming visible. In harbour basins, in quiet bays, on the edges of fish farms.

Where the water is - they stay

The upper Adriatic is now considered a hotspot - especially in windless summers. But also Calabria, Apulia, Sicily or the Gulf of Naples report regular occurrences. The jellyfish do not follow holiday calendars, but certain conditions: little current, constant climate, nutrient-rich water. In short: where it's nice and quiet for holidaymakers, it stays that way for jellyfish.

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From decorative to painful

Italy's seas are home to an astonishing range of species: The milky-blue lung jellyfish looks large and impressive, but is usually harmless. The smaller fire jellyfish shines beautifully, but is less friendly. A brief contact is enough for a burning sensation that you won't soon forget.

Then there is the fried egg jellyfish - visually an eye-catcher with a yellow centre and white edge, biologically completely inconspicuous. The compass jellyfish has patterns reminiscent of nautical charts. However, its tentacles should not be underestimated. The moon jellyfish, on the other hand, is almost transparent, easy to overlook and often harmless - but very present.

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Italy's beaches from north to south

When an encounter is no coincidence

The Portuguese man o' war is a different story. It is not a jellyfish in the narrower sense, but it looks like one - only more dangerous. Their tentacles can grow to over twenty metres long, the nettle venom is strong and can be medically relevant. It is rarely seen in the Mediterranean, but it is not impossible. If you come into contact with it, do not self-medicate or experiment - seek immediate medical attention.

Don't rub, don't guess - react

If contact occurs, the most important thing is not to act hastily, but correctly. Do not rub - this spreads the nettle capsules. Fresh water is also not a good idea, it is better to rinse with sea water. Cooling helps as long as it does not come into direct contact with the skin. And for more severe reactions: Pharmacy or doctor. Vinegar is often recommended, but does not help with all types. If you are unsure, it is better to leave it alone.

More information: The app has been available in Italy since 2019 avvistAPP. It allows jellyfish sightings to be reported or viewed in real time.

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