The purple jellyfish are again in the seas of Greece as their presence in many beaches of the country.
According to the Hellenic Biodiversity Observatory, there is a rise in purple jellyfish with reports referring to a problem in beaches and seas in northern Euboea, northern Sporades as well as Skiathos and Skopelos.
Indeed, the Hellenic Biodiversity Observatory calls on those who swim in the above areas “to be very careful”.
The announcement states: Unfortunately, our initial estimates of the intensity of Purple Medusa’s exacerbation in the Pagasitic Gulf and the surrounding areas were undervalued. The reason is the low involvement of citizens in public records, which created a distorted picture of the real situation.
Right now the rise is spreading at a much faster pace than expected. There are now reliable reports: from Chalkida and Northern Euboea, where the north we look, the more intense the problem looks
Northern Euboea is already facing a serious problem, as it acts as a Pagasitic exit to the open Pagastik himself continues to have a jellyfish presence, mainly on the east coast
The exacerbation has reached the northern Sporades, with confirmed appearances in Skiathos and Skopelos If you are swimming or visiting beaches in the above areas, be very careful.
Pelagia Nocttiluca is also a striking but also dangerous species because of her intense stings. It is advisable for the records to go up to the Inaturalist so that the species can be confirmed by experts and to be publicly available to the scientific community and the general public.
At the same time, there are the same signs as the great exacerbation of Purple Medusa in the Mediterranean during the period 2020–2023. Currently Gibraltar is facing the most serious situation, and outbreaks have also been reported in Spain, France, Italy, and Adriatic. “
What is purple jellyfish
Purple Medusa (scientific name: Pelagia Nocttiluca) is a marine species of Medusa that is often found in the Greek seas, mainly during the summer months. It is known for its intense purple or pink purple color and for being dangerous to humans, as its sting causes pain and irritation to the skin.
Purple jellyfish sting causes intense stinging, redness, swelling, and even nausea or dizziness in more sensitive individuals.
It is rarely dangerous to life unless the person is allergic or stinging extensively.
What do we do if we pinch us
If we pinch us a jellyfish we have to get out of the sea safely and carefully.
We should not shine the area that pinched us and rinse it with seawater.
If there is a piece of tentacle left, remove it carefully, and the case of a strong allergic reaction is advised to seek medical attention immediately.