RIDEM: Stinging Jellyfish Abound At Charlestown Salt Ponds

CHARLESTOWN, RI — State officials are warning the public that stinging Atlantic Sea Nettle Jellyfish have been identified in high numbers at Ninigret and Green Hill ponds in Charlestown.

Anyone planning to spend time in the salt ponds should bring a first aid kit, a bottle of vinegar, and/or sting spray. Stings from the jellyfish typically cause moderate discomfort and itchy welts, the officials said.

Sea nettles show up during high summer in Rhode Island and are most common in the salt ponds in South County, according to the Department of Environmental Management.

The Department of Health had these words of advice for people who get stung:

1. Remove visible tentacles with a gloved hand or a plastic bag

2. Rinse the affected area in vinegar, commercially available sting spray, or salt water.

3. Do NOT rinse with freshwater, as this can worsen the sting.

4. Apply a heat pack or rinse under hot water.

5. Use an ice pack and/or hydrocortisone cream to reduce discomfort.

6. If symptoms worsen, seek medical attention.

Photo courtesy RIDEM

“Their population in the ponds has been exploding over the last month or so, probably as water temperatures have increased, and last week we observed thousands of them in the western section of Ninigret Pond along the East Beach side," said Katie Rodrigue, principal marine biologist for the Division of Marine Fisheries.

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While the reason for the increase in Atlantic Sea Nettle Jellyfish this summer is not yet fully understood, their numbers are expected to decline over the course over the summer. Other species of jellyfish are less of a concern, like moon jellyfish (flat disc-shape with very short tentacles), and comb jellyfish, which have no stingers at all.