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April 17, 2008

DEM warns of lion's mane jellyfish in the Bay

Photo courtesy of Wes Pratt
Beware: The lion's mane jellyfish has long tentacles that pack a painful sting.

BARRINGTON - The Department of Environmental Management warned people today to stay away from lion's mane jellyfish after receiving a report -- with photographs -- that some of the creatures had washed ashore and were "all over" Barrington Beach yesterday.

The cold-water jellyfish, which tend to be small this year but often grow up to a foot wide, have a painful sting.

Because the animals move with the tides, currents and winds, they may be in other areas of Narragansett Bay as well, the department said.

Although it was the first reported case this year of the lion's mane jellyfish washing ashore, "DEM fisheries biologists have seen this year's crop throughout the Bay for the past month or so," according to a statement from spokeswoman Stephanie Powell.

Wondering what the water temperatures are like right now? Check this link for temps in waters around New England.
- Journal staff writer C. Eugene Emery Jr.

Posted by Brandie Jefferson  at 1:47 PM | Permalink

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Linda | April 17, 2008 2:49 PM link

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