Malaga’s Western Coast on High Alert Due to Jellyfish Invasion
The western coast of Malaga has been on high alert since Friday, August 12, due to a significant increase in jellyfish presence. Marbella, in particular, has the highest number of beaches on alert. The rise in jellyfish numbers is attributed to the heat, with the continuous heatwaves and increased temperatures in the area causing more jellyfish to wash ashore.
Jellyfish Expected to Stay Until Late Autumn
Marine biologist and research professor of the CSIC, Josep Maria Gili, has stated that jellyfish thrive in warm water. They have been sighted on Malaga beaches since last May and are expected to remain in the area until November. This is a significant extension of their usual period on the Spanish coasts, which typically runs from June to September.
Marbella: The Municipality with the Most Beaches on Alert
Marbella currently holds the record for the Malaga municipality with the most beaches on alert. Yellow jellyfish warning flags are flying at several beaches, including El Cable, Guadalmina, La Venus, Pinomar, and Real de Zaragoza. The yellow flag will also be maintained in Estepona on El Saladillo beach.
First Orange Warning Flag for Jellyfish in August
In a first for the month of August, El Cristo beach in Estepona has an orange flag for jellyfish. This is the first beach in Malaga to fly an orange warning flag for jellyfish this month.
Coasts Still Enjoying the Green Flag
Despite the jellyfish invasion, several areas continue to enjoy the green flag. These include the coasts of Algarrobo, Benalmadena, Casares, Fuengirola, Manilva, Mijas, Malaga, Nerja, Rincón de la Victoria, Torremolinos, Torrox, and Velez-Malaga.
Free App Provides Jellyfish Forecast
For those seeking more information on the jellyfish invasions, a free app called infomedusa is available for all androids and iPhones. The app provides a jellyfish forecast for the entire coast, as well as general data on beach conditions. It also offers advice on how to deal with a jellyfish sting.
High Numbers of Jellyfish Along Spain’s Costa del Sol
Experts have warned of high numbers of jellyfish along Spain’s Costa del Sol due to levante winds. Additionally, there has been a surge in the jellyfish population on southern Spanish beaches as rising sea pollution kills their predators.
