People planning to visit Bali have been urged to avoid direct contact with dangerous organisms that are washing up on southern beaches.
Bali’s Department of Fisheries and Food Security issued the warning to anyone planning to visit Sanur Beach.
The Department’s head Ida Suryawangsa told reporters that bluebottles had been seen in the waters off Sanur Beach between July and September.
He said it was a “natural phenomenon because the strong wind brought this type of jellyfish to the beach.”
“We urge visitors to Sanur Beach to be more alert, avoid direct contact. If fishermen still find them, they can help clean the waters of Sanur Beach,” he added.
They believe the bluebottles will be around for a while.
Bluebottles were recently recognised as the same species as the Portuguese Man of War.
They are not a jellyfish but rather a colonial organism that floats on the ocean’s surface trailing a long stinging tentacle below the surface.
The tentacles contain nematocysts aka stinging cells which are like mini-harpoons.
Bluebottle stings can be really painful but no fatalities have been recorded in Australia. Surf Life Saving recommends the following first aid for stings:
- Do not allow rubbing of the sting area.
- Adherent blue tentacles may be seen after a sting and are distinctive for Physalia physalis. Carefully remove any adhering tentacles (remember they may still sting you if not all nematocysts have discharged).
- Rinse the area well with sea water (not freshwater).
- Place the affected sting area in hot water – no hotter than the rescuer can comfortably tolerate for 20 minutes.
- If the pain is unrelieved by heat, or if hot water is not available, apply cold packs or ice in a dry plastic bag.
- Send for medical aid if symptoms persist, or if an allergic reaction occurs.