Sting-free: Mangrove Cell to put up boards, train lifeguards to create awareness about blue bottle

While Mumbaikars eagerly await the onset of monsoon, marine life experts are gearing up to ensure that all those visiting the beaches of Mumbai to enjoy rains and waves are not left with a painful sting.

Several marine experts who regularly document the marine species along the shores of Mumbai have spotted a few blue bottles or Portuguese man o' war close to the beaches and expect large numbers to congregate once monsoons hit the city. As per experts, 2018 saw a huge number of these blue bottles being washed ashore on several beaches of Mumbai and reportedly, over 150 people including several children ended up getting stung on popular beaches like Girgaum Chowpatty, Juhu and Aksa.

Awareness boards on the beaches

In a bid to educate people on how to avoid coming in contact with these marine species as well as measures to be taken in case of a sting, the Mangrove Cell along with Marine Life Of Mumbai (MLOM)- a group of marine enthusiasts, are coordinating with BMC as well as Collector's office to place proper signage boards.

Harshal Karve, a marine biologist who works with Mangrove Foundation of the Mangrove Cell informed, "Mangrove Cell will place these informative boards at key locations of the beaches and we are seeking necessary permissions to ensure these are properly set up before rains begin," he said.

Training lifeguards

Last year when over 50 people were stung after coming in contact with blue bottles in a day at Aksa beach in Malad, many people including BMC lifeguards ended up rubbing the stung area with lemon, ice among other methods to ease discomfort.

"These methods only worsen itching as rubbing anything on the skin can cause the tentacles to go deeper into the skin and aggravate the problem. Since the effect of venom differs on people depending on age, body weight and other factors, the best way to deal is to send those affected by the sting to the nearest hospital," said Shaunak Modi who is part of the MLOM adding that at the most one should pour seawater on the affected portion of the skin that will help remove the tentacles stuck on the skin.

He added that along with Mangrove Cell, they would also speak with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) so that the lifeguards including the private ones manning the beaches could be trained in responding to sting cases.

Modi explained that these are not jellyfish and are found in Indian, Atlantic as well as Pacific oceans. "These species don't attack humans and sting them. People get stung when they accidentally come in contact with the tentacles floating in the water or when someone steps or touches these bluebottles that are stranded on the beach," he said.

Blue bottles or Portuguese Man O’ War

• Blue bottles are not jellyfish but siphonophore with the scientific name Physalia found on Sandy shores of Mumbai during monsoon
• Appears like plastic or a bubble when washed ashore. They also float in water and have tentacles that cause the sting
• Anyone who comes in contact with tentacles can receive a sting causing burning pain leading to muscle weakness
• These tentacles can even sting if the organism is dead. They are not one individual but a colony
• These arrive on the shores during monsoon after being washed ashore by the strong southwest winds
• Do not enter the sea or walk barefoot on the beach during monsoon months as a precaution
• If stung gently pour sea-water on the area without rubbing it or treat the wound with hot water and visit the nearest government hospital for further treatment