Overview

• Thousands of compass and moon jellyfish are being reported off Brixham and Torbay, prompting public safety warnings for swimmers and beachgoers.
• Compass jellyfish deliver painful stings that can cause welts and swelling lasting hours to days, whereas moon jellyfish pose minimal risk with their mild sting.
• Health officials and the Devon Wildlife Trust have issued guidance on identifying jellyfish and treating stings, including seawater rinses and warm soaks.
• Researchers say the bloom may peak in coming days but caution that sea temperatures reaching 35°C could keep jellyfish densities high throughout the month.
• A 2023 Marine Conservation Society report recorded a 32% increase in jellyfish sightings in UK and Irish waters over 12 months, linking the rise to warmer seas and shifting marine ecosystems.