Wednesday 22 August 2012
Environment Department response to media enquiry from Guernsey Press.
Guernsey Press Enquiry:
I am actually following up on a concern from father whose daughter was stung by a weever fish at Pembroke.
He said that if he had known there were weever fish there his children would have worn their rocks shoes and he is now calling for signs to warn people about the fish.
Environment Department Response:
The Environment Department has not received any previous reports about people being stung by weever fish on Guernsey's beaches this year.
These small fish burrow into the sand and are more likely to be found around the low tide mark just below the surface during summer. The weever fish has a spiny dorsal fin and it is this which gives the painful sting when it is trodden on. The fish are very hard to see and people are unlikely to notice them unless they are stung.
Children can wear canvas or rubber beach shoes when paddling or playing at low tide to avoid being stung. If stung, bathing the affected foot in very warm water usually brings relief.
Contact Information
Environmental Services Unit
Environment Department
Tel: 01481 717 200
