DEP, Montclair State team up to locate, study clinging jellyfish

MONMOUTH BEACH, New Jersey (WABC) -- The Department of Environmental Protection has authorized a study in partnership with Montclair State University to determine the distribution and prevalence of clinging jellyfish, a dime-to-quarter sized and invasive jellyfish that packs a powerful sting that has been reported mostly in the Shrewsbury River in recent weeks.

The jellyfish, a native to the Pacific Ocean, is very difficult to spot in the water. A sting can produce severe pain and other localized symptoms and, in some cases can result in the need for hospitalization.

Eyewitness News meteorologist Jeff Smith went out with researchers Wednesday for an exclusive look at how the study will take place.

Multiple specimens have been observed and collected in the Shrewsbury River, while a single clinging jellyfish has been confirmed in the Manasquan River. The studies will be conducted in these waterways, as well as northern portions of Barnegat Bay - where the jellyfish has not, as yet, been observed.

No clinging jellyfish have been found on coastal beaches, nor are they anticipated, as they prefer to cling to vegetation found in sheltered bay and estuarine waters.

"The DEP, working in partnership with Montclair State University, will initially focus on areas where clinging jellyfish have been observed and reported, as well as other bay and river locations where they could conceivably thrive," DEP Commissioner Martin said. "While the marine environment is one of change, we hope this important study will help us increase our understanding of the presence of clinging jellyfish in these areas and to ultimately better inform the public."

The DEP has authorized a 30-day study that will involve systematic trawling of the water to collect any jellyfish that may be present, as well deployment of artificial sea grass mats to see if they attract clinging jellyfish, and genetic analysis. Beach seines will be used in shallow waters and crews on boats will also be using zooplankton seines in open water in an effort to capture adult jellyfish, known as medusa.

Depending on the results of the initial study, the DEP will evaluate whether to authorize a second phase of work. Findings will be released to the public after the study is concluded.

"Given that this species has not been recorded in New Jersey, we need to understand the distribution and life history to establish a baseline," said Dr. Paul Bologna, an associate professor of biology at Montclair. "This will support the development of public education and management strategies."

Areas of focus for the study will include locations that have submerged vegetation, creek mouths and marinas. Any specimens that are collected will be sent to a laboratory for positive identification.

The clinging jellyfish (Gonionemus vertens), is not known to inhabit ocean beaches or other sandy areas, but tends to attach itself to submerged aquatic vegetation and algae in back bays and rivers, areas not heavily used for swimming.

According to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, the clinging jellyfish has a red, orange or violet cross across its middle. Each jellyfish can trail 60 to 90 tentacles that uncoil like sharp threads and emit painful neurotoxins. Clinging jellyfish primarily feed on zooplankton.

Both the adult (medusa) and polyp stages of the clinging jellyfish are capable of stinging, a mechanism they use to stun prey and to defend against predators.

DEP encourages the public to exercise common sense and caution in areas where the jellyfish have been discovered for recreation. Anyone wading through these areas, especially near aquatic vegetation should take precautions, such as wearing waders to protect themselves.

If stung by a clinging jellyfish:

--Apply white vinegar to the affected area to immobilize any remaining stinging cells.

--Rinse the area with salt water and remove any remaining tentacle materials using gloves or a thick towel.

--A hot compress can then be applied to alleviate pain.

--If symptoms persist or pain increases instead of subsiding, seek prompt medical attention.

For more information on the clinging jellyfish, visit: NJBeaches.org.