News Release
RI Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
| For Release: | April 17, 2008 |
| Contact: | Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402 Stephanie Powell 222-4700 ext. 4418 |
PROVIDENCE -The Department of Environmental Management was notified yesterday that lion's mane jellyfish, common to Rhode Island waters, are being seen at Barrington Beach. People are advised not to touch them, for they can provide a potent sting.
DEM is issuing this caution since the combination of warm weather and school vacation week is likely to result in a number of visitors to local beachfronts.
Lion's mane jellyfish, although they can pulse around on their own, are generally dependent on tides, currents, and winds for direction, so it is likely that some will be found on other shores as well. The product of last year's spawn, the jellyfish can range in size from two to four inches to a foot wide. DEM fisheries biologists have seen this year's crop throughout the Bay for the past month or so. Yesterday's report was the first received regarding them being washed ashore.
