Thursday 10 July 2014
A number of Blue Jellyfish Cyanea lamarckii have been found today at Portelet.
This follows a report from a local fisherman that large numbers were seen outside the bay yesterday (9 July). The species which grows to approximately 30cm has a bell shaped body through which blue radial lines can be seen. Large numbers of Blue Jellyfish were seen around Newquay, North Cornwall last week.
Blue Jellyfish have tentacles of up to 1m long which do have a sting but it is mild and described as similar to a nettle sting. As a precaution beachgoers are advised not to touch any jellyfish they may find on the beach and young children or those with sensitive skin should avoid them.
Many species of jellyfish are largely harmless and are often attractive but should not be touched if people come across any in the sea or on the beach. It is rare for the poisonous Portuguese Man-of-War jellyfish, distinguished by it's blue airfilled 'fin', to be found on Guernsey - the last one was found on Portelet in 2007.
More information on the jellyfish species to be found around the British Isles can be found on the Marine Conservation Society's website which has a species identification guide. www.marine-conservation.org.uk/ukjellyfish.html
Contact Information:
Environmental Services Unit
Environment Department
Tel: 717200
