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Marine Life & Conservation

Things that sting… and how to avoid them!

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By Gemma Smith

Here be Dragons warned medieval maps, as land gave way to uncharted oceans and their mysterious inhabitants. Well, as it turns out there are dragons in the seas, but they are small and loveable (Phyllopteryx taeniolatus). No threat at all! There are however creatures who can give divers, snorkelers, swimmers and surfers painful and, at times, fatal stings. Here are some of them to look out for… but remember, these animals are only defending themselves or trying to catch their dinner!

Stingray

The death of Australian naturalist Steve Irwin from a stingray made international headlines in 2006. Yet it was only the second recorded stingray-induced death in Australian waters since 1945. Stingrays are not naturally aggressive but like any animal will react if frightened. Often hiding in sand to await prey, the ‘stingray shuffle’ (sliding your feet along the sand rather than stepping down hard) can alert the animals to your presence and allow them to take avoiding action.

Stingrays are common in coastal tropical and subtropical marine waters throughout the world. Some species live in the deep ocean, and there are also river stingrays. They have a venomous barb on the end of their tail which they use for defense

Stingray injuries are rarely fatal. In Steve Irwin’s infamous case, the stinger penetrated his chest cavity causing massive trauma. Nonetheless, stings are serious. They can cause pain, bleeding, nausea, weakness, and fainting. Embedded spines are best left to medical professionals to remove. This is in case the barb breaks off in the wound, which may lead to infection.

First aid includes cleaning the wound and immersing the injury in hot (40° C/104° F) water if possible for at least 30 minutes. Remember: Always seek medical attention for a stingray sting.

Weever Fish

This small fish which rests in sandy shallows near the shore punches, literally, above its weight! Its toxic dorsal spines produce acute pain if stepped on. Other symptoms are nausea, headache, and even abdominal cramps. Death is extremely rare.

As with other such injuries don’t remove embedded spines with bare hands. Always wear gloves or use tweezers! To reduce pain, immerse the foot in hot water (as above with stingray injuries). These small but potent fish live in the coastal waters of the Atlantic, North Sea, and the Mediterranean.

Jellyfish

These sea creatures have tentacles covered with individual stingers called nematocysts. Jellyfish generally fire their darts into prey, but swimmers, divers, and snorkelers can be stung by physical contact. Swarms of jellyfish can also wash up on beaches.

in January 2019 about 13,000 stings were recorded on Queensland beaches from a massive influx of bluebottle jellyfish!

In May 2017 more than 300 Barrel jellyfish washed up on a beach in Wales.

So long as the stinger in the animals is still hydrated it can fire off into unsuspecting beachcombers who touch the animals. Always remove any tentacles using gloves or tweezers and, to reduce pain, immerse the affected area in hot water.

Most stings from jellyfish cause rashes and/or blisters. More acute reactions can be headaches or even chest pain. But stings from the Australian Box jellyfish and the Portuguese Man-of-War can be fatal. These need immediate emergency medical attention.

Be prepared to perform CPR in case of respiratory failure. Sea Wasp stings may prove fatal in as little as three minutes. To be safe, do your research before diving: avoid known Box Jellyfish habitats and minimize the amount of uncovered skin.

Blue-Ringed Octopus

This small (12-20 cm/5-8 in) shy little octopus with its distinctive blue rings has enough venom to paralyze ten adult humans according to a University of Sydney study. Found in tide pools and coral reefs in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, it spends much of its time hiding in small crevices or abandoned shells.

If threatened, its bite is tiny and relatively painless. The venom however can cause tingling of the lips and tongue, followed by difficulty swallowing, dizziness, and headache. This can progress to paralysis and eventual respiratory distress or failure. The victim is aware something is wrong but can do nothing.

If bitten by a Blue-ringed octopus always seek medical attention. First aid is pressure on the wound (‘pressure immobilization technique’) and artificial respiration (CPR) if there are signs of respiratory failure. Hospital treatment consists of putting the victim on a medical ventilator until the patient’s own system can metabolize and secrete the venom. Luckily there are few reported deaths. With timely medical help, full recovery is the norm.

Cone snails

There are about 600 species of cone snail. They can be found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, the Caribbean and the Red Sea. They live in reefs hiding themselves partially under sandy sediments. They often have beautifully patterned shells, very attractive to collectors.

All cone snails are poisonous to some degree. It is only the larger ones, up to 23 cm/9 in long, which we need to worry about. Every snail has a venom-injecting ‘tooth’; someone picks up a cone snail it responds by ‘biting’ the offender with its harpoon-like tooth.

In the case of the larger snails this tooth can sometimes penetrate gloves or wetsuits. This ‘bite’ can cause mild to moderate pain. In more serious instances numbness, blurred visions and paralysis can occur. Paralysis can sometimes lead to respiratory failure. Symptoms can appear immediately or may take a few days.

Always seek medical attention in case of a cone snail sting. First aid measures can include application of heat (such as soaking the affected area in hot water) for pain relief. Also use of the ‘pressure immobilization technique’ can help slow progression of the toxin. Watch out for symptoms appearing in succeeding days.

Finally

These marine creatures are not generally aggressive but will react if frightened, so some general rules:

  • Don’t touch them. Even dead jellyfish can sting!
  • Be careful where you put your hands; someone may be lurking under a rock or in a crevice or an abandoned sea shell.
  • If walking in shallow water do the ‘stingray shuffle’! This gives anything hidden in the sand time to get out of the way. After all, they don’t want to waste their venom on you!
  • The use of vinegar on a sting is controversial but recent research from the University of Hawaii on Man of War stings has shown that rinsing the area with household vinegar can halt discharge of more venom.
  • Don’t pee on a sting. It doesn’t help!
  • Don’t touch spines with bare hands
  • Gently clean the wound but don’t scrub, close, or cover it
  • Remember the pressure immobilization technique, and use if recommended (see below)
  • Always seek medical advice if there is evidence of chest pain, difficulty in breathing or numbness, or if you are in any way concerned about the injury. Minor injuries might mask a bigger problem. Better safe than sorry!

Pressure Immobilization Technique

This technique was developed in the 1970s by an Australian medical researcher, Struan Sutherland. It was originally designed to be used on certain snake and spider bite injuries. Its purpose is to contain the spread of venom from the affected area, and prevent the venom circulating to reach the vital organs.

It is not suitable for all bites/stings whether for snakes, spiders or other creatures. It is recommended for blue-ringed octopus bites and cone snail stings. Check DAN or another reputable site to refresh your memory if diving in waters where you are likely to meet these creatures.

The procedure is generally to:

  • Use an elasticated bandage, if available, to wrap the affected limb and apply firm pressure. Clothing such as a long-sleeved shirt or pantyhose can be used if nothing else is available.
  • Begin by bandaging a couple of inches above the bite site and then downwards over and past the bite site to the hand or foot.
  • The bandage should be snug but should not impede blood circulation.
  • The limb must be kept as immobile as possible as movement will encourage blood flow.
  • Splint the limb if possible or use a sling on upper limbs to further immobilize the patient.
  • Above all, seek medical help!

These are a few of the problems you may encounter while diving, snorkeling, or other water-based activities. It is important to always keep your First Aid knowledge up to date, and to carry basic First Aid equipment whenever you dive. Remember, the oceans are a marvelous place full of amazing and unique creatures. Respect them, and your visits to their world will be a delight and not a disaster.


To find out more about International Training, visit www.tdisdi.com.

From its humble beginning in 1994 to today, the group of training agencies Scuba Diving International (SDI), Technical Diving International (TDI), and Emergency Response Diving International (ERDI) form one of the largest diving certification agencies in the World – International Training. With 24 Regional Offices servicing more than 100 countries, the company today far exceeds the original vision the founders had when they conceived the idea on a napkin, sitting at a kitchen table in the early 1990’s.

Marine Life & Conservation

New report shows simple measures needed to cut beach plastic pollution

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The Marine Conservation Society has launched its annual State of our Beaches 2023 report, highlighting the need for less single-use plastic items and more refillable options.

The charity’s beach cleaning programme, now in its 30th year, asks volunteers to record all litter that they find within a 100-metre stretch of beach. By gathering vital data from across the UK and Channel Islands, the charity creates change for cleaner seas and a healthier planet through policy and industry change. Last year, over 148 kilometres of beach were surveyed by volunteers, who removed 17,208kgs of litter from our coast.

Using data collected by over 14,000 volunteers, the State of our Beaches 2023 report shows that half of all litter collected came from public sources – either dumped, blown or washed onto our beaches.

Drinks-related litter, such as plastic bottles, caps and cans were one of the most found items, with an average of 16 found per 100 metres of beach surveyed. This figure is up 14% compared to the charity’s 2022 report.

Plastics caps and lids were recorded on 89% of surveys, with over 30,000 found in total. Plastic bottles were also commonly collected, with 73% of surveys finding this single-use item – a 4% increase compared to 2022. The charity’s inland litter pick survey, Source to Sea, also reported finding plastic bottles on 92% of cleans.

However, the charity’s State of Our Beaches 2023 report also indicates that some types of litter are on a downward trend. Although still in the top 10 litter items, disposable plastic cutlery, trays and straws were found on 5% fewer beaches across the UK, showing that bans on these plastic items between 2022 – 2023 could be working. The presence of plastic cotton bud sticks also dropped by 14%.

Lizzie Price, Beachwatch Manager at the Marine Conservation Society, said, “Half of the litter found on our beaches originates from public sources, underscoring the pressing issue of single-use plastic. Evidence shows that refillable alternatives and litter return schemes effectively reduce rubbish, as demonstrated by the decline our data has shown in items like plastic bags and disposable cutlery.

“Urgent and decisive action from UK governments is needed to accelerate our shift towards a circular economy, where we reuse, repair and recycle. The public needs greater access to refillable products and systems need to be implemented in which manufacturers are responsible for their waste.”

Governments across the UK have committed to delivering deposit return schemes from October 2025. However, the proposed scheme in England does not include glass items, despite glass being found on 52% of beaches in 2023. The charity is calling for governments across the UK to introduce compatible all inclusive deposit return schemes as soon as possible. This would see aluminium cans, and plastic and glass bottles have a 20p deposit which would be returned when recycled which would reduce drinks-related pollution.

Businesses are, however, starting to take refillable and reusable options into their own hands. Supermarket chain, Aldi, the largest corporate funder of the charity’s 2024 Beachwatch programme, is already leading the charge in refillable items by trialling refillable options for cereals and porridge oats in their stores over the past 5 months.

Plastics and Packaging Director, Luke Emery, from Aldi, who are running 4 beach cleans for staff and volunteers in 2024, said, We are continually working to reduce single-use plastics and packaging, and making unpackaged product options more commonplace for our customers is a key part of this. We are really pleased with the uptake of our refillable range so far by customers. Not only are we making sustainable shopping more accessible, but we also offer refill products for a better price than the packaged alternative, helping our customers save money.”

Marine litter is one of the biggest threats to our seas, with plastic breaking down over time into microplastics and threatening marine life which can ingest or become entangled in them. The Marine Conservation Society is urging the UK Government to move faster on its policies to cut down plastic waste and prevent items from reaching our seas.

To find out more about the charity’s beach cleans and how to get involved, please visit mcsuk.org/beach-cleans

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Guarding Against Coral Invaders

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Protecting (Dutch) Caribbean Reefs from Unomia stolonifera

Recent reports highlight the concerning spread of the invasive soft coral, Unomia stolonifera, currently devastating Venezuela’s marine ecosystems and detected in Cuba. With the potential threat of its expansion to the (Dutch) Caribbean islands, urgent action and awareness are essential to safeguard marine biodiversity and local economies from possible catastrophic consequences.

Invasive species are animals or plants from another region of the world that don’t belong in their new environment. These species can have major ecological effects by decimating native flora or fauna. They can also cause large economic losses and impact human health. Invasive species also pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems worldwide, including the Dutch Caribbean. Among these invaders is the octocoral species Unomia stolonifera or “Pulsing Xenia”, originally from the Indo-Pacific. With its rapid growth and lack of natural predators, this species can outcompete native species and disrupt fragile marine habitats such as seagrass beds and coral reefs.

Background

The invasive soft coral U. stolonifera was first identified in 2014, off the coast of Venezuela. It is believed to have been introduced via the illegal aquarium trade.  Since this species can reproduce sexually and asexually (or fragment), even small pieces can regenerate to spread.  Once introduced it quickly took over shallow reefs and hard substrate at depths of 0-50 meters, outcompeting local corals and seagrass for space.  Follow on surveys found that this coral species exhibited average percentage cover as high as 80%, vastly outcompeting native corals. In highly colonized areas, fish are disappearing due to loss of habitats.

In 2022, during a survey conducted in Cuba by the University of Havana, an unknown octocoral was discovered which was later identified as the invasive Unomia stolonifera. It is suspected that the coral larvae arrived in ballast water from fossil fuel ships originating from Venezuela, as nearby sites adjacent to Venezuelan ports have been heavily affected by the invasion.

How to help

Prevention through continuous monitoring, particularly in high-risk areas such as marine harbors and oil facilities, is paramount. Early detection plays a pivotal role in mitigating the threat posed by Unomia stolonifera.

The public’s involvement and awareness are also vital. Local communities, recreational divers, tourists, and all stakeholders are urged to participate in early detection efforts by reporting sightings (photo, location and date) of this invasive coral to their respective Protected Area Management Organization (PMO’s)- the Fundacion Parke Nacional Aruba (FPNA)STINAPA BonaireCARMABI Curaçao Saba Conservation Foundation (SCF)Nature Foundation St. Maarten (NFSXM) and St. Eustatius National Parks (STENAPA). If an invaded area is confirmed, follow the recommendations by the local PMO’s.

Keys to Success

Despite the challenges, early detection is key to mitigating the threat posed by Unomia stolonifera. With continued vigilance, research, and community engagement, there is hope for containing this potential issue before it becomes a major threat.

About the DCNA

The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) supports (science) communication and outreach in the Dutch Caribbean region by making nature related (scientific) information more widely available through amongst others the Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database, DCNA’s news platform BioNews and through the press. This article contains the results from several scientific studies but the studies themselves are not DCNA studies. No rights can be derived from the content. DCNA is not liable for the content and the in(direct) impacts resulting from publishing this article.

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