DOCSLIB.ORG

2013 Fall Conservator

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
2013 Fall Conservator FALL 2013 Marine Hazards in the Women Paddling Surf Zone Through Science By Patrick Amico, Conservation Biologist By Kendyll Goeman Collins, Environmental Educator and Outreach Coordinator L ast week past intern, Ryan Walsh, and I were conducting a fisheries research project on “If a child is to keep alive (her) inborn sense of Bald Head Island when we noticed a few marine wonder without any such gift from the fairies, (she) hazards in the near-shore environment: Carolina needs the companionship of at least one adult stingrays, box jellyfish, and sharks feeding on who can share it, rediscovering with (her) the joy, schools of fish. This time of year there can be excitement and mystery of the world we live in.” many of these animals in the water. – Rachael Carson Autumn also brings tropical system swells to our In April, the BHI beaches; this increase in wave activity increases Conservancy was the intensity of near shore currents which can be awarded the Paddle hazards to swimmers. This article will include Nation Project Grant facts about the most common marine hazards that from Outdoor Nation, occur this time of year, and will dispel myths that a national initiative people have about them. connecting the Millennial Generation Sharks to the outdoors. This North Carolina is host grant opportunity to 50 species of sharks. supports pioneering Photo by Kendyll Collins This figure may seem projects, like Women staggering but includes Paddling Into Science, and initiatives aiming to some that are only connect young Americans with their waterways sand tiger (Odontaspis taurus) seasonal inhabitants, through recreational paddling. The Bald Head preferring only warm or cool water, or those that Island Conservancy was one of 25 projects, the stay far offshore preferring only deeper water only organization in North Carolina, selected (such as the whitetip, silky, or blue shark). In late by Outdoor Nation and the Outdoor Industry continued on page 9 continued on page 2 INSIDE October Programs, Sea Turtle Update, Turtle Central Update, Volunteer Call, 30 Years in the Making Education Updates Environmental Education— Continued from page 1 by Kendyll Goeman Collins, Environmental Educator Association® Paddle Advisory Council from a pool were able to hear about the different road maps of 150 applicants. that each staff member took to get where they are today. They also received great advice that will set Over the past few months, mother and daughter their job and school applications apart from others. pairs from the surrounding New Hanover and The discussion between participants and staff Brunswick county areas have joined us for also demonstrated the malleability of a “love for exclusive kayak expeditions. These trips focused nature,” and the many jobs available. Girls reported on proper kayaking techniques, navigational skills wanting to be everything from engineers to nature and estuarine ecology. The groups participated in a photographers. Involving a female family member- salt marsh cleanup and learned about water quality mother, aunt, or grandmother, will help to keep the testing procedures. In addition to covering ferry girls on a focused path. transportation fees, the award provided for new personal flotation devices and safety equipment. “This project has ushered underserved youth into the realm of science by providing them with The Paddle Nation Project grants were made a life-long pastime, enabling exploration of the possible by support and funding from the Outdoor ecologically and economically important salt marsh Industry Association® Paddle Advisory Council, ecosystem, and exposing them to female scientists a coalition of top paddlesport manufacturers, with a variety of fortes.”- Kendyll Collins, BHI retailers and stakeholders; a $30,000 contribution Conservancy EEOC from Nielsen Expositions’ Outdoor Retailer, the outdoor industry tradeshow held twice each year; Over the next few months, the BHI Conservancy will and many individuals, manufacturers and retailers continue its dedication to introducing youth groups in the paddlesport community. to the uniqueness and importance of a barrier island. The Education Department will be housing troops, “Recreational paddling is one of the most clubs, and classes in the on-site dormitory through accessible and impactful ways to introduce young April. For more information about spending a long Americans to the outdoors,” said Lili Colby, sales weekend with the BHI Conservancy naturalist staff, and marketing director for MTI Adventurewear and please email [email protected]. Happy paddling! chair of the Paddle Council. “Though so many of the applications were inspiring, we believe the winning Go to www.bhic.org to sign up for kayaking. projects will creatively and effectively involve young people in all types of paddling, including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing and rafting.” The “women paddling through science” trips were conducted by female BHI Conservancy staff members, in a “judgment free zone.” Almost all of the 10 trips were comprised of kayaking novices. The greatest benefit that participants enjoyed was learning from the female staff and interns, from the BHI Conservancy. Young tweens and teens 2 Conservator | BHIC.org October Programs, see pricing and 23rd from 10:30am-12:30pm; Thursday, October 24th from 11:00am-1:00pm; Friday, October 25th from 12:00pm-2:00pm; Sign up Online at www.bhic.org: Saturday, October 26th from 12:30pm-2:30pm, Sunday, October 27th from 1:30pm-3:30pm; Monday, October 28th from 2:30pm- Reservations required for all programs. 4:30pm; Tuesday, October 29th from 3:30pm-5:30pm; Wednesday, Please visit our website, www.bhic.org or call 910-338-0911 October 30th from 4:00pm-6:00pm; Thursday, October 31st from 4:30pm-6:30pm Explore the unspoiled creeks of BHI on a guided trip with BHI Birding BHI Conservancy staff to learn about the beauty and importance of Mondays, 8:30-10:30am. this habitat. A must-do experience before you leave the island! Join BHI Conservancy staff for a 2 hour birding tour of the island. Bird Double kayaks are used, and an adult must accompany children. scopes and binoculars provided, plus our new exclusive BHI Birding Trips are tide and weather dependent. Life jackets, paddles, and Life List. Cost $20 per person for non-members, $15 per person for kayaks provided. Bring a water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, a hat, BHI Conservancy members, free for BHI Conservancy Life Members. and clothes that can get muddy. Reservations required. To register, To register, please call (910) 338-0911 or visit www.bhic.org. please call (910) 338-0911. Bald Head After Dark Middle Island/Ibis Sanctuary Hike Tuesdays, 7:00pm-9:00pm Wednesdays and Saturdays from 5:30pm-7:00pm The island takes on a very different feel as the sun goes down and Explore the quiet solitude of Middle Island and the Ibis Lake darkness falls. While many of the island’s critters wind down for the Sanctuary, a private area and only accessible with BHI Conservancy night, several others are just gearing up. Join us in the classroom for Staff. This spot is popular with several species of herons, egrets and a brief presentation on Bald Head’s active nightlife before heading ibis. Cost: $15 per person for non-members, $10 per person for BHI out and about on the island to find some of it ourselves! Meet in the Conservancy Members, FREE for BHI Conservancy Life Members. Barrier Island Study Center. Reservations Required. (910) 338- To register, call (910) 338-0911. 0911, $10 per person for Conservancy Partner, Sponsor and Patron Members, $15 per person Conservancy Friend Members and Non- Reptile Round-Up Members, FREE for Conservancy Life Members! Wednesdays and Saturdays, 12:00pm-1:00pm Join BHI Conservancy staff members in our Fleming Environmental CSI: BHI- Beachcombing Edition Center to get up close and personal with our classroom reptiles. Thursdays, 2:00pm-3:30pm Learn about the unique adaptations that help our island reptiles Put on your detective hats, and swing down to the BHI Conservancy survive! Participants will be able to touch live reptiles, turtle to become a “Conservancy Shell Investigator!” Embark on the ultimate shells, snake sheds, and much more! Following the presentation, scavenger hunt. Explore the beach and surf with BHIC naturalists to participants will also be able assist with feeding the reptiles. This unearth evidence left behind by beach dwelling animals. Learn how to program is great for all ages! $5.00 per person. Call (910) 338-0911 use seine nets, dip nets, binoculars, and magnifying glasses. Meet at to reserve your spot! the wet laboratory, in the Barrier Island Study Center. Sea Turtle Movie Hands on Dissections Tuesdays, 1:00pm-2:30pm Owl Pellet Dissection, Mondays, 3:00pm-4:00pm Fridays, 6:00pm-7:30pm Squid Dissection, Wednesdays, 3:00pm-4:00pm Join us in our new Barrier Island Study Center for a screening of Dogfish Dissection, Fridays, 3:00pm-4:00pm “Turtle: an Incredible Journey”. Follow a Loggerhead hatchling from her nest, to the Gulf Stream and back to lay her own nest! Rated G, Join BHI Conservancy staff in the Barrier Island Study Center for but some images may be too dramatic for young viewers. No charge, an introduction to the laboratory setting. Great for all ages! $15 per but donations appreciated. First come, first serve seating. Following specimen, families can work together. Registration call: 910-338-0911. the film, BHIC staff will answer questions about sea turtle biology and our renowned sea turtle protection program. Island Nature Tour Daily, 9:00am-11:00am Touch Tank Time Join professional naturalists on a guided tour of the wildlife hotspots Daily promptly from 1:30-2:30pm; Meet the creatures that inhabit of BHI! See amazing wildlife while learning about and exploring our our local tidal pools! Following the lesson, you’ll have the chance pristine beaches, maritime forest, and marshes.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Are We Using the Correct First Aid for Jellyfish?
    Editorial Are we using the correct first aid for jellyfish? Jamie E Seymour The answer is predicated on our knowing what the correct treatment is — and we don’t n this issue of the MJA, Isbister and colleagues report that hot water immersion was no more effective than ice packs for I fi Chironex treating the pain of stings by the box jelly sh ( fleckeri).1 This finding is surprising, as jellyfish venoms are heat- labile,2 but unsurprising, given that heat treatment for some patients did not begin until 4 hours after the patient was stung. Managing jellyfish stings is generally subject to confusion, and official advice needs revising to make it clear, consistent and effec- tive. The current Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) guidelines for treating jellyfish envenoming3 encourage this confusion by suggesting that people stung while swimming in temperate waters (south of Bundaberg) should use heat immersion to reduce pain report.10 Despite many subsequent published studies finding this (based on a randomised controlled trial of treatment for bluebottle procedure ineffective, including one randomised controlled trial,11 stings4), but those envenomed in tropical waters (north of Bunda- it is still standard practice for many medical professionals. berg) should be treated with ice. The guidelines also advise that Magnesium may be helpful in some situations, but may not be as vinegar should be used to minimise envenoming only in tropical effective as first thought, perhaps because of differences in the areas — unless it is clear that the patient has been stung by a blue- venoms involved. bottle, in which case vinegar should never be used.
    [Show full text]
  • Population Structures and Levels of Connectivity for Scyphozoan and Cubozoan Jellyfish
    diversity Review Population Structures and Levels of Connectivity for Scyphozoan and Cubozoan Jellyfish Michael J. Kingsford * , Jodie A. Schlaefer and Scott J. Morrissey Marine Biology and Aquaculture, College of Science and Engineering and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; [email protected] (J.A.S.); [email protected] (S.J.M.) * Correspondence: [email protected] Abstract: Understanding the hierarchy of populations from the scale of metapopulations to mesopop- ulations and member local populations is fundamental to understanding the population dynamics of any species. Jellyfish by definition are planktonic and it would be assumed that connectivity would be high among local populations, and that populations would minimally vary in both ecological and genetic clade-level differences over broad spatial scales (i.e., hundreds to thousands of km). Although data exists on the connectivity of scyphozoan jellyfish, there are few data on cubozoans. Cubozoans are capable swimmers and have more complex and sophisticated visual abilities than scyphozoans. We predict, therefore, that cubozoans have the potential to have finer spatial scale differences in population structure than their relatives, the scyphozoans. Here we review the data available on the population structures of scyphozoans and what is known about cubozoans. The evidence from realized connectivity and estimates of potential connectivity for scyphozoans indicates the following. Some jellyfish taxa have a large metapopulation and very large stocks (>1000 s of km), while others have clade-level differences on the scale of tens of km. Data on distributions, genetics of medusa and Citation: Kingsford, M.J.; Schlaefer, polyps, statolith shape, elemental chemistry of statoliths and biophysical modelling of connectivity J.A.; Morrissey, S.J.
    [Show full text]
  • Marine Turtle Newsletter No. 117, 2007 - Page  ISSN 0839-7708 Editors: Managing Editor
    Issue Number 117 July 2007 Logo for the Twenty-Eighth Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation (pp. 14-16). IN THIS ISSUE: Articles: Marine Turtles in Mozambique: Towards an Effective Conservation and Management Program..................A.Costa et al. Predation on the Zoanthid Palythoa caribaeorum by a Hawksbill Turtle in Southeastern Brazil.......S.N.Stampar et al. Rat Eradication as Part of a Hawksbill Conservation Program in Paraíba State, Brazil........................D.Zeppelini et al. Morphodynamics of an Olive Ridley Nesting Beach in the Baja Peninsula...V.M. Gómez-Muñoz & L. Godínez-Orta Notes: First Records of Olive Ridley Turtles in Seychelles...............................................................S. Remie & J.A. Mortimer Sexual Harassment By A Male Green Turtle..................................................................................................B.W. Bowen Incidental Capture of a Leatherback Along the Coast of Ceara, Brazil............................................E.H.S.M. Lima et al. Book Review IUCN-MTSG Quarterly Report Announcements News & Legal Briefs Recent Publications Marine Turtle Newsletter No. 117, 2007 - Page 1 ISSN 0839-7708 Editors: Managing Editor: Lisa M. Campbell Matthew H. Godfrey Michael S. Coyne Nicholas School of the Environment NC Sea Turtle Project A321 LSRC, Box 90328 and Earth Sciences, Duke University NC Wildlife Resources Commission Nicholas School of the Environment 135 Duke Marine Lab Road 1507 Ann St. and Earth Sciences, Duke University Beaufort, NC 28516 USA Beaufort, NC 28516 USA Durham, NC 27708-0328 USA E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Fax: +1 252-504-7648 Fax: +1 919 684-8741 Founding Editor: Nicholas Mrosovsky University of Toronto, Canada Editorial Board: Brendan J. Godley & Annette C.
    [Show full text]
  • AUSTRALIAN PRODUCT INFORMATION – BOX JELLYFISH ANTIVENOM Solution for Injection
    BOX JELLYFISH ANTIVENOM (AUST R 74891) Product Information AUSTRALIAN PRODUCT INFORMATION – BOX JELLYFISH ANTIVENOM Solution for Injection 1 NAME OF THE MEDICINE Box jellyfish antivenom (ovine) as active ingredient. 2 QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION BOX JELLYFISH ANTIVENOM is prepared from the plasma of sheep immunised with the venom of the box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri). Each vial contains 20,000 units of antivenom. The product also contains phenol 2.2 mg, sodium chloride 8 mg, water for injections to 1 mL in an aqueous solution. Each vial contains ≤ 100 mg per mL of plasma protein of ovine origin. The product volume is potency dependant thus it varies from batch to batch. Please refer to the product volume printed on the carton. 3 PHARMACEUTICAL FORM BOX JELLYFISH ANTIVENOM is a solution for injection (20000U). It is a clear to opalescent, straw coloured, viscous solution in a clear glass vial. 4 CLINICAL PARTICULARS 4.1 THERAPEUTIC INDICATIONS For the treatment of patients who exhibit manifestations of systemic envenoming or who have extensive local involvement causing extreme pain which does not respond to routine analgesic therapy. 4.2 DOSE AND METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION Not everyone who is stung by a box jellyfish needs antivenom. In cases of severe systemic envenoming, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other appropriate first aid measures recommended by local guidelines must be instituted when necessary before giving antivenom. Antivenom should be administered as soon as possible after resuscitation has commenced. Ideally this will be in an intensive care facility. The contents of one vial (20,000 units) should be administered slowly by intravenous infusion after dilution with an intravenous solution such as Hartmann’s solution or 0.9% w/v Sodium Chloride.
    [Show full text]
  • Biology, Ecology and Ecophysiology of the Box Jellyfish Biology, Ecology and Ecophysiology of the Box Jellyfishcarybdea Marsupialis (Cnidaria: Cubozoa)
    Biology, ecology and ecophysiology of the box M. J. ACEVEDO jellyfish Carybdea marsupialis (Cnidaria: Cubozoa) Carybdea marsupialis MELISSA J. ACEVEDO DUDLEY PhD Thesis September 2016 Biology, ecology and ecophysiology of the box jellyfish Biology, ecology and ecophysiology of the box jellyfishCarybdea marsupialis (Cnidaria: Cubozoa) Biologia, ecologia i ecofisiologia de la cubomedusa Carybdea marsupialis (Cnidaria: Cubozoa) Melissa Judith Acevedo Dudley Memòria presentada per optar al grau de Doctor per la Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Programa de Doctorat en Ciències del Mar (RD 99/2011). Tesi realitzada a l’Institut de Ciències del Mar (CSIC). Director: Dr. Albert Calbet (ICM-CSIC) Co-directora: Dra. Verónica Fuentes (ICM-CSIC) Tutor/Ponent: Dr. Xavier Gironella (UPC) Barcelona – Setembre 2016 The author has been financed by a FI-DGR pre-doctoral fellowship (AGAUR, Generalitat de Catalunya). The research presented in this thesis has been carried out in the framework of the LIFE CUBOMED project (LIFE08 NAT/ES/0064). The design in the cover is a modification of an original drawing by Ernesto Azzurro. “There is always an open book for all eyes: nature” Jean Jacques Rousseau “The growth of human populations is exerting an unbearable pressure on natural systems that, obviously, are on the edge of collapse […] the principles we invented to regulate our activities (economy, with its infinite growth) are in conflict with natural principles (ecology, with the finiteness of natural systems) […] Jellyfish are just a symptom of this
    [Show full text]
  • Zoology Lab Manual
    General Zoology Lab Supplement Stephen W. Ziser Department of Biology Pinnacle Campus To Accompany the Zoology Lab Manual: Smith, D. G. & M. P. Schenk Exploring Zoology: A Laboratory Guide. Morton Publishing Co. for BIOL 1413 General Zoology 2017.5 Biology 1413 Introductory Zoology – Supplement to Lab Manual; Ziser 2015.12 1 General Zoology Laboratory Exercises 1. Orientation, Lab Safety, Animal Collection . 3 2. Lab Skills & Microscopy . 14 3. Animal Cells & Tissues . 15 4. Animal Organs & Organ Systems . 17 5. Animal Reproduction . 25 6. Animal Development . 27 7. Some Animal-Like Protists . 31 8. The Animal Kingdom . 33 9. Phylum Porifera (Sponges) . 47 10. Phyla Cnidaria (Jellyfish & Corals) & Ctenophora . 49 11. Phylum Platyhelminthes (Flatworms) . 52 12. Phylum Nematoda (Roundworms) . 56 13. Phyla Rotifera . 59 14. Acanthocephala, Gastrotricha & Nematomorpha . 60 15. Phylum Mollusca (Molluscs) . 67 16. Phyla Brachiopoda & Ectoprocta . 73 17. Phylum Annelida (Segmented Worms) . 74 18. Phyla Sipuncula . 78 19. Phylum Arthropoda (I): Trilobita, Myriopoda . 79 20. Phylum Arthropoda (II): Chelicerata . 81 21. Phylum Arthropods (III): Crustacea . 86 22. Phylum Arthropods (IV): Hexapoda . 90 23. Phyla Onycophora & Tardigrada . 97 24. Phylum Echinodermata (Echinoderms) . .104 25. Phyla Chaetognatha & Hemichordata . 108 26. Phylum Chordata (I): Lower Chordates & Agnatha . 109 27. Phylum Chordata (II): Chondrichthyes & Osteichthyes . 112 28. Phylum Chordata (III): Amphibia . 115 29. Phylum Chordata (IV): Reptilia . 118 30. Phylum Chordata (V): Aves . 121 31. Phylum Chordata (VI): Mammalia . 124 Lab Reports & Assignments Identifying Animal Phyla . 39 Identifying Common Freshwater Invertebrates . 42 Lab Report for Practical #1 . 43 Lab Report for Practical #2 . 62 Identification of Insect Orders . 96 Lab Report for Practical #3 .
    [Show full text]
  • D:\In Press\Final Issue\IJFAS 1(1)
    International Journal of Fishes and Aquatic Sciences 1(1): 5-15, 2012 ISSN: 2049-8411; e-ISSN: 2049-842X © Maxwell Scientific organization, 2012 Submitted: April 08, 2012 Accepted: April 30, 2012 Published: July 25, 2012 Some Aquatic Reptiles in Culture Fisheries Management E.N. Ogamba and J.F.N. Abowei Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Nigeria Abstract: Aquatic reptiles are major challenge in culture fisheries. These animals feed on culture fish. Adequate knowledge on them is essential for effective culture fisheries management. Marine iguana, aquatic snakes, crocodiles and sea turtles are some aquatic reptiles reviewed in this study. Keywords: Aquatic snakes, crocodiles and sea turtles, marine iguana INTRODUCTION THE MARINE IGUANA Aquatic reptiles are reptiles which have become The Marine Iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) (Plate 1) is secondarily adapted for an aquatic or semi-aquatic life in an iguana found only on the Galápagos Islands that has the aquatic environment (Campbell and Lamar, 2004). the ability, unique among modern lizards, to live and The earliest marine reptiles arose in the Permian period forage in the sea, making it a marine reptile (Wikelski and during the Paleozoic era (Darwin, 2001). During the Thom, 2000). The Iguana can dive over 30 ft (10 m) into Mesozoic era, many groups of reptiles became adapted to the water. It has spread to all the islands in the life in the seas, including such familiar clades as the archipelago and is sometimes called the Galapagos ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs (these two orders were once Marine Iguana. It mainly lives on the rocky Galapagos thought united in the group "Enaliosauria," a classification shore, but can also be spotted in marshes and mangrove now cladistically obsolete), mosasaurs, nothosaurs, beaches.
    [Show full text]
  • Biology, Ecology and Ecophysiology of the Box Jellyfish Carybdea Marsupialis (Cnidaria: Cubozoa)
    Biology, ecology and ecophysiology of the box jellyfish Carybdea marsupialis (Cnidaria: Cubozoa) MELISSA J. ACEVEDO DUDLEY PhD Thesis September 2016 Biology, ecology and ecophysiology of the box jellysh Carybdea marsupialis (Cnidaria: Cubozoa) Biologia, ecologia i ecosiologia de la cubomedusa Carybdea marsupialis (Cnidaria: Cubozoa) Melissa Judith Acevedo Dudley Memòria presentada per optar al grau de Doctor per la Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Programa de Doctorat en Ciències del Mar (RD 99/2011). Tesi realitzada a l’Institut de Ciències del Mar (CSIC). Director: Dr. Albert Calbet (ICM-CSIC) Co-directora: Dra. Verónica Fuentes (ICM-CSIC) Tutor/Ponent: Dr. Xavier Gironella (UPC) Barcelona – Setembre 2016 The author has been nanced by a FI-DGR pre-doctoral fellowship (AGAUR, Generalitat de Catalunya). The research presented in this thesis has been carried out in the framework of the LIFE CUBOMED project (LIFE08 NAT/ES/0064). The design in the cover is a modication of an original drawing by Ernesto Azzurro. “There is always an open book for all eyes: nature” Jean Jacques Rousseau “The growth of human populations is exerting an unbearable pressure on natural systems that, obviously, are on the edge of collapse […] the principles we invented to regulate our activities (economy, with its innite growth) are in conict with natural principles (ecology, with the niteness of natural systems) […] Jellysh are just a symptom of this situation, another warning that Nature is giving us!” Ferdinando Boero (FAO Report 2013) Thesis contents
    [Show full text]
  • The Tropical Box Jellyfish in North East Australia
    Tropical box jellyfish: the world's deadliest animals Tom Cross1, 3, Dorothy Cross2 and Marc Shorten1 1 Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science, University College Cork 2 Mullaghgloss, Renvyle, County Galway 3 Arising from a public lecture delivered by TC in December 2002 Introduction The opportunity arose, because of a sciart award (sponsored by the Wellcome Trust and British Arts Council and other bodies, and designed to allow scientists and artists to work together) to brother and sister, scientist Tom Cross and artist Dorothy Cross, to work on the tropical box jellyfish in North East Australia. The data collected in the form of digital video "footage" of swimming, provided the materials used by Marc Shorten in his MSc project. In a talk forming part of the 2002/2003 UCC public lecture series, Professor Tom Cross described the features of these animals and then recounted the work undertaken on swimming biomechanics. A similar format is used in this chapter. Chironex fleckeri in mid water General characteristics Box jellyfish, also known as “marine stingers” or “sea wasps”, are of great interest because the group, called Cubomedusa by zoologists, contain some of the most venomous animals on earth, but appear to have been the object of very little scientific study. Cubomedusa are very different from medusae of other classes of the Phylum Cnidaria (“true jellyfish”) being far more substantial than animals of Classes Syphozoa or Hydrozoa. Whereas the bell of these other two classes are extremely jelly-like in their consistency, cubozoans are more akin to polyurethane than jelly. Cubozoans are roughly cubical, and this is where they get their vernacular name “box jellyfish”.
    [Show full text]
  • Impact of Scyphozoan Venoms on Human Health and Current First Aid Options for Stings
    toxins Review Impact of Scyphozoan Venoms on Human Health and Current First Aid Options for Stings Alessia Remigante 1,2, Roberta Costa 1, Rossana Morabito 2 ID , Giuseppa La Spada 2, Angela Marino 2 ID and Silvia Dossena 1,* ID 1 Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Paracelsus Medical University, Strubergasse 21, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria; [email protected] (A.R.); [email protected] (R.C.) 2 Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno D'Alcontres 31, I-98166 Messina, Italy; [email protected] (R.M.); [email protected] (G.L.S.); [email protected] (A.M.) * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +43-662-2420-80564 Received: 10 February 2018; Accepted: 21 March 2018; Published: 23 March 2018 Abstract: Cnidaria include the most venomous animals of the world. Among Cnidaria, Scyphozoa (true jellyfish) are ubiquitous, abundant, and often come into accidental contact with humans and, therefore, represent a threat for public health and safety. The venom of Scyphozoa is a complex mixture of bioactive substances—including thermolabile enzymes such as phospholipases, metalloproteinases, and, possibly, pore-forming proteins—and is only partially characterized. Scyphozoan stings may lead to local and systemic reactions via toxic and immunological mechanisms; some of these reactions may represent a medical emergency. However, the adoption of safe and efficacious first aid measures for jellyfish stings is hampered by the diffusion of folk remedies, anecdotal reports, and lack of consensus in the scientific literature. Species-specific differences may hinder the identification of treatments that work for all stings.
    [Show full text]
  • Differing Effects of Vinegar on Pelagia Noctiluca (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa) and Carybdea Marsupialis (Cnidaria: Cubozoa) Stings—Implications for First Aid Protocols
    toxins Article Differing Effects of Vinegar on Pelagia noctiluca (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa) and Carybdea marsupialis (Cnidaria: Cubozoa) Stings—Implications for First Aid Protocols Ainara Ballesteros 1,* , Macarena Marambio 1, Verónica Fuentes 1, Mridvika Narda 2, Andreu Santín 1 and Josep-Maria Gili 1 1 ICM-CSIC-Institute of Marine Sciences, Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; [email protected] (M.M.); [email protected] (V.F.); [email protected] (A.S.); [email protected] (J.-M.G.) 2 ISDIN, Innovation and Development, C. Provençals 33, 08019 Barcelona, Spain; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected] Abstract: The jellyfish species that inhabit the Mediterranean coastal waters are not lethal, but their stings can cause severe pain and systemic effects that pose a health risk to humans. Despite the frequent occurrence of jellyfish stings, currently no consensus exists among the scientific community regarding the most appropriate first-aid protocol. Over the years, several different rinse solutions have been proposed. Vinegar, or acetic acid, is one of the most established of these solutions, with effi- cacy data published. We investigated the effect of vinegar and seawater on the nematocyst discharge process in two species representative of the Mediterranean region: Pelagia noctiluca (Scyphozoa) and Carybdea marsupialis (Cubozoa), by means of (1) direct observation of nematocyst discharge on light microscopy (tentacle solution assay) and (2) quantification of hemolytic area (tentacle skin blood Citation: Ballesteros, A.; agarose assay). In both species, nematocyst discharge was not stimulated by seawater, which was Marambio, M.; Fuentes, V.; Narda, M.; classified as a neutral solution.
    [Show full text]
  • Carybdea Branchi, Sp. Nov., a New Box Jellyfish (Cnidaria: Cubozoa) from South Africa
    CORE Metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk Provided by University of the Western Cape Research Repository Gershwin, L-A and Gibbons, M.J. (2009). Carybdea branchi, sp. nov., a new box jellyfish (Cnidaria: Cubozoa) from South Africa. ZOOTAXA, 2088: 41-50 Carybdea branchi , sp. nov., a new box jellyfish (Cnidaria: Cubozoa) from South Africa Lisa-Ann Gershwin 1 & Mark J. Gibbons 2 1Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia. E-mail: [email protected] 2Zoology Department, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X'7, Bellville 7535, RSA. E-mail: [email protected] Abstract A common and conspicuous member of the medusan fauna of South Africa has been the subject of repeated taxonomic confusion. After having been mistakenly identified by earlier workers as either Carybdea alata or Tamoya haplonema, this large and colourful carybdeid is described herein as Carybdea branchi, sp. nov. It is distinguished from its congeners on numerous characters: body to about 8cm in life, densely scattered with nematocyst warts over the whole body and abaxial keels of the pedalia; a bulge or lateral thorn on the pedalial canal bend; with 2 dendritic velarial canals per octant, highly diverticulated; with a long manubrium; with greatly bushy epaulette-like phacellae, comprising 20 or more roots tightly clustered; with well developed mesenteries; and with conspicuous brownish pigmented areas over the proximal and distal regions of the pedalia and over the phacellae. A comparative table of the primary diagnostic characters of species in the genus Carybdea is given. Keywords Carybdeida, Carybdeidae, medusae, taxonomy, Cape Town, new species, marine stinger Introduction Very few references exist on the carybdeids in African waters.
    [Show full text]