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Showing posts from 2017

Royal Jelly - A Deadly New Species

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Finally, Thailand's deadly species of Chironex-type box jellyfish has a name.  Chironex indrasaksajiae S ucharitakul   sp.. A scientific paper published in 2017 describes this highly venomous species based on samples taken from the Gulf of Thailand. It's unclear as to whether the equally dangerous species inhabiting the Andaman Sea is the same type of box jellyfish.   

Box Jellyfish Venom: Biological Armageddon

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Venom from box jellyfish of the Chironex-type and Irukandji are insanely toxic. The former is known as the most venomous animal on the planet, while the latter causes prolonged pain and suffering that is almost incomparable.

The Sting: Before, During & After - What To Do & Don't!

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What happens and what to do if you get stung by a box jellyfish? Just the slightest touch from a box jellyfish tentacle causes instantaneous excruciating pain. The victim will almost always scream in agony. Critically, you have a minute or two, if not seconds, in the heat of the moment to treat the victim or the consequences could be fatal. Delay could mean death.

Stylish, Sustainable & (Mostly) Safe Suit

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The only way of safely swimming or snorkelling in seas inhabited by box jellyfish is to wear a lycra suit. Maximum coverage means maximum protection, and the tentacles of a dangerous jellyfish cannot penetrate the fibre. The thing is, they don't look cool. Sea Gypsy  may have just changed that.

Thai Tourism Issues A Warning

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Jellyfish warning for travellers swimming in Thailand

Stings Get Serious On Koh Samet

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A recent harrowing sting event on Koh Samet once again highlights that serious jellyfish stings can occur just about anywhere along Thailand's coast.

Jellyfish Safety Is Now In Your Hands

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A handy reference has hit the smart phone market and the Jellyfish App is now at the disposal of anyone who wants to know more about what they're sharing the sea with. Co-developed by Dr Lisa-ann Gershwin who is the world's foremost authority on jellyfish - she has identified hundreds of them - the Jellyfish App is a virtual encyclopaedia on the subject much like its creator. There are Pro and Lite versions available on the App Store and Google Play covering everything you need to know about the world's jellyfish - current alerts, Jellyfish Near Me function, species info, a bloom blog, an encyclopedia, search facility, FAQs and an Ask Dr Lisa section. Whether you're a traveller, diver, fisherman, beach comber, naturalist, tourist operator or simply have an interest in these amazing creatures, the Jellyfish App answers all of your questions about what and where is dangerous or not, what to do if stung and what to do to not get stung, plus how to raise an alert if

From Tragedy In Thailand To A Moving Memoir: Shannon's Story

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"In 2002, Shannon Leone Fowler was a blissful 28-year old marine biologist, spending the summer backpacking through Asia with the love of her life - her fiance, Sean. He was holding her in the ocean's shallow waters when a box jellyfish - the most venomous animal in the world - wrapped around his leg, stinging and killing him in a matter of minutes, irreparably changing Shannon's life."

Koh Lanta Stings Underline Complacency

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Three recent sting incidents on Koh Lanta in Thailand's southern Andaman Sea region highlight the need for tourists and locals and authorities not to become complacent. Box jellyfish have existed in Thailand's seas for a long time - they are not going away and the threat of getting stung will continue.

Testing Times On Thailand's Beaches

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Th ai authorities have installed the first of a series of prototype box jellyfish prevention nets in some of the country's sting hotspots.