Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
01 August 2013 10:37
Jellyfish numbers reported to be surging across the Mediterranean, around the UK and in other parts of the world
Holidaymakers have been advised to be vigilant following a significant increase in jellyfish in various parts of the world.
After the recent spell of warm weather an increase in jellyfish blooms has been noted in UK waters as well as across large sections of the Mediterranean, which is a holiday hotspot during the summer season.
The news may be of interest to all Brits heading off on holiday this summer, in particular those with diagnosed conditions who are travelling with pre-existing medical travel insurance, as certain types of jellyfish are known for their potent sting.
Even those holidaying within the UK might want to practise caution, as the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) said lion's mane jellyfish have been sighted in greater numbers around North Wales and north-west England.
The charity warned the sting of the lion's mane jellyfish can be powerful and advised anyone taking part in an ongoing survey to measure numbers to only look but not touch the sea creatures.
People are being asked by the MCS to report their sightings of jellyfish wherever they see them in the UK as part of its annual survey.
The sea creatures surged on to the news agenda in June when a mass arrival of millions of jellyfish was reported along thousands of miles of the Mediterranean coastline.
Dr Peter Richardson, biodiversity programme manager at the MCS, said fluctuations in numbers can reveal much about the health of the seas, although he conceded that still relatively little is known about jellyfish.
There is a debate among scientists as to whether the increase in numbers reported recently is simply part of a natural cycle or if it is the result of other factors linked to humans such as over-fishing, pollution or even climate change.
Increasing numbers of moon, compass, blue and lion's mane jellyfish have been reported in UK waters since the spell of hot weather arrived.
"The scarcity of jellyfish reports before June was unusual and could well be linked to the exceptionally cold spring," Dr Richardson commented.
"However, as our waters warmed, sightings of jellyfish increased."
15 August 2018
A simple blood test could help GPs detect a rare form of bone marrow cancer much earlier, a new study suggests.
[more...]
14 August 2018
Passengers arriving at Heathrow Airport last month faced queues of over two and a half hours at passport control, new figures have revealed.
11 August 2018
Hundreds of Ryanair flights will not take off as planned on Friday due to pilot strikes in five countries.
10 August 2018
Fad diets that cut out carbs while increasing fat consumption could lead to an increased risk of diabetes, according to new research.
09 August 2018
HIV testing has become even more accessible after a self-testing kit was made available from a High Street retailer.
08 August 2018
Women patients are more likely to survive a heart attack if they are treated by a female doctor, a new US study has revealed.
07 August 2018
The head of British Airways has branded two-hour queues facing travellers at Heathrow's passport control as a "border farce."
04 August 2018
Simple factors such as gender and body mass can help doctors to personalise care for patients with type 2 diabetes and avoid harmful side effects, according to a study.
03 August 2018
Gatwick Express must no longer claim it runs "non-stop to Victoria station in half an hour" and "in just 30 minutes" unless it can achieve the time in most cases, a watchdog has ruled.
02 August 2018
A charity is calling for greater access to respite support after it emerged that 72% of Britain's 700,000 young carers feel lonely and isolated during the summer holidays.
01 August 2018
A plan to build new rail links with Heathrow Airport and connect Windsor's two train stations have been submitted to the Government.
31 July 2018
The head of International Airlines Group (IAG), the company that owns British Airways, is 'optimistic' about a legal challenge to end crippling strikes.