Jellyfish warning for beachgoers in Oman

Energy Wednesday 15/August/2018 21:40 PM
By: Times News Service
Jellyfish warning for beachgoers in Oman

Muscat: Muscat: Swimmers, divers and beachgoers have been advised to watch out for jellyfish when they venture into the sea as their sting can cause irritation to the skin. Though the jellyfish in coastal areas in Oman are not toxic, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has advised precautions.
Mohamad Al Masharfi, acting head of the Marine Science and Fisheries Centre of the Ministry, told the Times of Oman, “The spread of jellyfish at this time of the year is due to the booming of phytoplankton and the drop in temperatures. These harmless jellyfish can be found on Al Ashkara beach in South Sharqiyah, Al Bustan and Qurum beach. There is no reason to panic over the spread of jellyfish on some Omani shores.”
The ministry said, “With reference to the clip on social media about the spread of jellyfish on the shores, researchers collected some samples and they were found to be ‘Crambionella orsini’ and are non-toxic.”
The ministry said there are many kinds of jellyfish on beaches but some are harmless, but exposure to their sting may lead to skin irritation and redness.
“The ministry would also like to remind visitors to these beaches to be careful and not to swim in areas where jellyfish are present,” the statement said.