Portal de Aguilas
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The Neighborhood Association Citizens 'Forum Aquilegia AVA-Eagles calls for fishermen, swimmers and divers to be vigilant about the presence on our shores of the so-called' Portuguese man '(also known as "killer jellyfish', 'Portuguese frigate' 'bad water' or 'blue bottle') a species of hydrozoan from jellyfish-like appearance but more dangerous and deadly for its high stinging as they can paralyze a large fish and seriously affect humans.
As occurred last year at this time, several neighbors claimed to have seen and some specimens stranded on beaches in the municipality such as the stove or hat, in addition, local recreational divers have confirmed sporadic ALS location near Friar's Island.
Without creating alarms, Aquilegia Neighborhood Association believes necessary to provide information on the subject, in order to enable citizens to take precautionary measures they deem appropriate, since the issue is not so far found an echo in the communications issued by official bodies .
Representatives of the environmental group 'Oceana' ( http://www.oceana.org/sp/europa ) say that since last February has been found that a critical mass of Physalia physalis, the scientific name of the species, has penetrated the Mediterranean Sea from the Atlantic and is sweeping, driven by the warm currents, the coasts of Andalusia and Murcia in the direction of the Balearic Islands.
The so-called 'Portuguese man' is a species that is easily identifiable on the surface of the sea as above water and is crowned by a large float of blue.
More difficult is its location under water, because their tentacles deployed measuring up to thirty meters in length, so that any diver is exposed to an accidental touch unaware of their presence.
And sometimes the species may appear stranded on the beaches and curious colors could draw the attention of children, who are the main risk group for a possible bite usually long and very painful.
Although in fact neither is nor is a killer jellyfish, the "Portuguese man 'it is more dangerous than the common jellyfish: to surround their prey, their tentacles are full of suckers with capsules that release a stinging and highly poisonous enzyme, which could cause breathing problems or even endanger the life of the person with heart disease.
That is why swimmers and divers should exercise caution before one of these individuals, taking into account also that his power does not stop stinging if the animal is dead or simply find a dismembered arm.
What if we itch? -
As basic rules to keep in mind, the most important thing is to avoid by all means direct contact, if we find a copy on the beach, it's best to pick it up carefully in a plastic bag and remove.
If bitten, it is highly painful, we must remain calm and, using gloves, wash the area with sea water (fresh water because it never would multiply the stinging effect.)
To soothe the burning, experts recommend using vinegar or acetic acid dissolved in 5% salt water.
In any case, especially in cases that may be risky, it is best to go to a relief center or hospital.
To assess the problem and avoid the possible progression of the species in the Mediterranean, the group 'Oceana' recommended that he see a copy of it brought to the attention of civil protection or call 112.
With the approach of summer and the increase of bathers on the beaches columbine, AVA will pay particular attention to the issue of 'Portuguese man' to keep people informed.
Avaguilas.com our website and our email and phone ava_aguilas@yahoo.es 'AVA 24 HOURS' 645 037 655 are available to residents for any testimony in this regard.
Source: AVA-Foro Ciudadano de Águilas
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