Marine biologist Dr. Lisa Gershwin has made some scientific waves lately by classifying and naming over a dozen new jellyfish species. This remarkable find builds on our increasing appreciation of these frequently maligned animals. Among her findings, Dr. Gershwin classified all six jellyfish species found in Western Australia (WA), including the notorious Malo maxima and Carukia shinju, which are present in Broome. Her work underscores the need and the ecological urgency for a better understanding of jellyfish behavior, especially their risks for stinging and their seasonal patterns.
For Dr. Gershwin, the key takeaway is that jellyfish sightings on the coast are often unpredictable. She noted that specific atmospheric and oceanic conditions can lead to increased jellyfish activity, stating, “The atmospheric and oceanic conditions bring them into the beaches, where tragedy occurs when they make contact with people.” This lack of predictability poses serious concerns to beachgoers, particularly during the wet/contaminated season from Nov—Apr.
Understanding Stinging Risks
Contrary to popular belief, jellyfish stings are not limited to summer months. Dr. Gershwin emphasized, “There are actually no months of the year where we haven’t had stings, so there isn’t a ‘safe season.’” This third reality is especially important to the people of and visit Broome, where education and experience about the sting of the jellyfish are vital. Local ranger Mr. Ahtong assured that there were only six documented stings within the past five years. Those are just the signs that we need to be careful.
Dr. Gershwin emphasized that a prevailing, powerful onshore wind makes conditions ripe for increased stings. He cautioned that a “cracking good storm” could increase this risk at any time. Beachgoers do need to be extra cautious and follow safety recommendations to avoid injury while in the water. She advised using protective beachwear, including full-length lycra suits or wetsuits, and swimming in the presence of patrolled beach areas only.
Safety Measures at Cable Beach
Cable Beach has taken numerous precautions to ensure swimmers remain protected from jellyfish stings. As any lifeguard will attest, stinger drags are an all too common occurrence. They trap areas of water along the coast to test for jellyfish. These stinger drags are conducted twice a day to keep beachgoers safe. When a swimmer is stung at Cable Beach, the lifeguards immediately close the open water to swimming. From there, they run stinger drags to determine the conditions.
Mr. Ahtong noted that the community benefits from these proactive measures, stating, “So, including the drone patrols, they are doing everything they can to make sure the community is protected.” The community’s awareness and preparation have led local rangers and scientists to agree that Cable Beach is one of the safest beaches in the region.
Community Awareness and Education
Dr Gershwin said she was worried awareness of baseline risk would decrease for people coming to Broome. She mentioned, “Broome has a fairly rotating community … big tourist community and all that … perhaps that sort of baseline risk awareness may have been lost.” In terms of preventing sting stings, the top priority for local authorities is educating beachgoers about the potential dangers.
Dr. Gershwin, the world’s leading expert on jellyfish, tantalized us with the remarkable story of Carukia shinju. This tiny species, roughly the size of a thimble, is docked with four long, threadlike tentacles. “The body is about the size of a thimble and it’s got four super-fine tentacles, as fine as cobwebs, and that one I named Carukia shinju,” she stated, adding that “shinju” translates to “pearl” in Japanese.
