The Cabildo of Lanzarote and the Government of the Canary Islands presented this Tuesday the Canary observation network "RedPROMAR" and the surveillance and alert program for the presence of jellyfish and other harmful gelatinous organisms on the coasts of the Archipelago. The Autonomous Executive has been working throughout the last year on the elaboration of this program, in coordination with different ministries and other institutions, among which is the Cabildo of Lanzarote. The result is a "unique and consensual" document in which the protocols for action in the event of the arrival of these organisms to the Canary coasts are reflected.
In addition, "one of the fundamental tools of the program" was announced, which is the creation of a network of observers, made up of people linked to the marine environment. Their work consists of recording as much information as possible about marine organisms in the Canary Islands. Based on the information provided, a chronicle will be created about the changes that the ocean is experiencing in the Canary Islands environment.
With this aim and with the intention of modernizing and facilitating the flow of information, the website www.redpromar.com has also been created, through which any citizen can access information and learn about the different episodes that are happening. Likewise, the Government of the Canary Islands has enabled a page on the social network Facebook, where information on the marine environment will be available and will allow any citizen to upload images or ask about any marine organism.
In this way, a new channel of information and interaction between the administration and the citizen is opened in this regard, as highlighted by the Cabildo, which in the last plenary session approved entrusting the Security and Emergency Consortium with a prevention and action plan in the event of the arrival of jellyfish on the coasts of the island.
Prevention against the existence of jellyfish
Given the possible reappearance of jellyfish on the beaches of Lanzarote and La Graciosa, the Lanzarote Security and Emergency Consortium has recommended that bathers pay attention to the signaling of flags on the beaches and the instructions of the lifeguards. In the event that a jellyfish has already stung you, it is recommended not to scratch or rub the affected area, wash it with sea water and never with fresh water, and remove any remains or pieces with tweezers and with protected hands.
To relieve the pain, it is advisable to apply cold for about 15 minutes, without rubbing, and not ammonia, vinegar, or urine. "Children, the elderly or those with allergies who are affected may need special attention. If symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, muscle cramps, headaches or generalized discomfort are observed, go to the nearest hospital and report, if possible, the type of jellyfish that caused the sting," advises the Security Consortium, which recommends disinfecting the wound with alcohol.
Bathing recommendations
This body has also pointed out that "the use of sunscreen is highly recommended" because "it has a certain capacity to isolate the body surface from substances such as jellyfish tentacles" and has asked the population to "not underestimate the situation" in the face of the proliferation of jellyfish and not to touch them even if they are dead.
"If you have seen jellyfish and there is no adequate signage, notify the nearest beach surveillance post. The breaking zone is dangerous in the event of jellyfish, as many fragments, with urticating action, can concentrate there," the Consortium has warned.
