Beware of the hidden danger in the seas!

As a result of global climate change, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University Faculty of Fisheries faculty member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nurçin Killi has warned citizens about contact with various species of jellyfish that have arrived via the Suez Canal and ship ballast water, and which have been frequently seen in the Mediterranean region in recent years.

Stating that the migratory jellyfish species known as Rhopilema nomadica, which has been frequently seen on the Mediterranean coast in recent days, has begun to appear often along the coasts of Mersin, the Gulf of İskenderun, Antalya, and Muğla, it was announced that this species can reach 70 centimeters in length and 5-6 kilograms in weight.

It was advised that if the Rhopilema nomadica migratory jellyfish comes into contact with the human body, it has a strong stinging property, and in case of contact, the affected area should be washed with seawater instead of fresh water.

Jellyfish, both swimming in the sea and washed up dead on the beach at Marmaris Uzunyalı, have unsettled citizens. Fevziye Demirci, a shore fisherman who has lived in Marmaris for 4 years, said, "This is the first time I have seen them this dense this year. We can't even catch fish anymore."

''WE ARE SEEING EXCESSIVE PROLIFERATION''

Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University Faculty of Fisheries faculty member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nurçin Killi is conducting scientific research on the Rhopilema nomadica migratory jellyfish species that has washed up on the Marmaris coast. Providing information about the species, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Killi said, "We have been seeing an increase in invasive species in the Mediterranean recently. One of these is jellyfish. Jellyfish, which come both through the Suez Canal and with the ballast water of ships, are increasing in number due to the higher water temperatures in this region. We have been seeing excessive jellyfish proliferation on our coasts for about a year and a half. Last summer, we encountered the Rhizostoma pulmo jellyfish intensely in Foça and the Gulf of İzmir. For a few weeks now, we have been encountering the Rhopilema nomadica migratory jellyfish species intensely along the coasts of Muğla, and in the Gulfs of Antalya, Mersin, and İskenderun," she said.

''SEVERE PAIN, REDNESS, STINGING BURNING, BLISTER FORMATION...''

MSKÜ Faculty of Fisheries faculty member Killi issued a warning to those who come into contact with the Rhopilema nomadica migratory jellyfish species, which grows up to 70 centimeters and weighs 5-6 kilograms. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Killi said, "This is a large species. We currently have 5-6 kilogram specimens on hand. It is a species with a strong stinging capability. Effects such as severe pain, redness, stinging burning, blister formation, rashes, and even scarring wounds can be seen. These effects can also increase depending on the person's allergic reaction. If the person's constitution is allergic, they may react excessively. It can cause respiratory distress and nausea. Or it can cause pain to persist for a longer time, and can lead to open wounds. My advice is to go to a health facility immediately in case of contact with any jellyfish. Because we do not know how the body will react at this point. In the first instance, if on the shore, we recommend washing with seawater. We should not apply fresh water in the first stage. We now think that we will see these jellyfish more on our coasts. Because unfortunately, water temperatures this winter did not drop as much as we expected. For this reason, we have started to see the jellyfish proliferation that we used to see in April-May, now in the winter months of January-February. This shows us that jellyfish can be seen in our waters throughout the whole year," she stated.