Beachgoers along the Atlantic coast are encountering unusually high numbers of jellyfish this summer, particularly in states such as Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts and Maine. Experts say the increase is unprecedented, with Jonathan Cohen, a marine science professor at the University of Delaware, telling The Washington Post: “It’s as bad as I’ve ever seen it. To have this many for as long as we’ve had them is rare.” The spike has been partly attributed to heavier rainfall and higher temperatures creating ideal conditions for jellyfish proliferation.
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The rise in jellyfish sightings has also led to a surge in stings. Lewes Beach in Delaware reported a fourfold increase in incidents this July compared with the previous year. Retired marine biologist Gisele Muller-Parker observed dozens of jellyfish each day while walking along the shoreline, remarking: “This year, we’ve never seen anything like this.” Medical guidance recommends rinsing stings with vinegar or seawater, keeping the wound clear of debris, and using antihistamine or steroid creams after soaking the area in hot tap water for 20 to 40 minutes. In severe cases, emergency services should be contacted immediately.
Although sightings are high, experts and lifeguards stress that Atlantic coast beaches remain safe to visit. The number of jellyfish is expected to decline as the season winds down and temperatures drop. Hurricane Erin, which affected the East Coast earlier this month, has also contributed to dispersing some of the jellyfish populations.
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The jellyfish surge has even impacted industry. A French nuclear power station was forced to temporarily shut down after swarms of jellyfish clogged its cooling system. Nuclear engineer Ronan Tanguy explained to the BBC that the creatures’ “gelatinous” bodies allowed them to bypass the station’s initial filters, demonstrating the unexpected reach of this summer’s jellyfish boom.
