In northern Spain and western France, several beaches have been temporarily closed due to the mass appearance of Portuguese Man O'War. On the beach in San Sebastián alone, at least 120 people suffered stings from their venomous tentacles in just one day.
Portuguese Man O'War, dangerous marine organisms resembling jellyfish, have appeared in large numbers along the coasts of Spain and France. As a result, authorities were forced to close several beaches. The situation is particularly severe in San Sebastián, Spain, where at least 120 vacationers were affected in just one day, reports NOS.
According to jellyfish expert Piet Sondervan, the Portuguese Man O'War is easily recognizable by its bright air-filled float that drifts on the water's surface. This often attracts the attention of tourists.
"It’s a very beautiful organism, but therein lies the danger. People swim closer to take a look, not noticing the long tentacles underwater," the specialist explained.
The tentacles of the Portuguese Man O'War can reach up to 40 meters in length. Upon contact with skin, they release thousands of microscopic stinging capsules containing venom. The sting causes intense pain, muscle spasms, and in some cases can lead to drowning if a person loses the ability to move properly in the water.
Sondervan noted that there are even more dangerous species, such as the nearly invisible box jellyfish; however, the Portuguese Man O'War also poses a serious threat to humans.
Despite its name, this organism is not a true jellyfish. Biologically, it is a colony of hundreds of specialized polyps that function as a single organism. According to the expert, the "Portuguese Man O'War" is actually composed of several types of polyps that perform different functions.
Even organisms washed ashore and dead remain dangerous. Their tentacles can still sting for a long time. Videos from the beaches of San Sebastián show that the Man O'War that ended up on the shore continue to move. This is because in small pools of seawater, some parts of the organism remain alive.
The expert explains the current invasion as a combination of several factors. For reproduction and spread, Portuguese Man O'War require water temperatures around 24 degrees, favorable wind directions, and a rich food supply.
Additionally, climate change is contributing to the expansion of these organisms' habitats. Due to warming oceans, they are appearing further north. Overfishing also plays a role: natural predators are decreasing while food for jellyfish and jellyfish-like organisms is increasing.
According to Sondervan, in the future, Portuguese Man O'War could approach the coasts of the Netherlands. Already, the country is increasingly recording the appearance of unusual jellyfish species, including large colorful jellyfish reaching half a meter in diameter.
In summer, the increase in jellyfish along European shores is considered a common occurrence.
The expert warns that if current water temperatures and weather conditions persist, the situation along the coasts of Spain and France could worsen. He stated that the mass appearance of Portuguese Man O'War could easily escalate into a true invasion, and vacationers should stay away even from organisms washed ashore, as they remain dangerous for a long time after death.
Leave a comment