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The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) warns about the high quality of the species Physalia physalis, also known as the Portuguese Caravel in the archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores.
It is recalled that in the transition week between April and May, numerous Portuguese caravels were found in the Praia Formosa bathing area, and there is also information that “hit the shore” in many other coastal areas of Madeira Island.
The species Physalia physalis is currently found in large numbers in the Azores (Faial, Terceira and S. Miguel islands) and Madeira was also observed, although in smaller numbers.
In the Azores (S. Miguel Island) there are also sightings of jellyfish (Pelagia noctiluca) and on the Portuguese mainland there are many sailboats (Velella velella).
Among the species found in Portugal, the Portuguese Caravel is the one that requires the most caution. Influenced by winds and shallow currents, it is often seen at this time of year. It features a blue balloon-shaped float and sometimes lilac and pink tones; Its tentacles can reach 30 m in length and are very sharp, capable of causing severe burns. Therefore, it is important to remember that one should not touch the tentacles, even when the Portuguese caravel appears to be dead on the beach.
GelAvista remembers the precautions that must be taken in case of contact with the tentacles of a caravel: you must thoroughly clean the affected area with sea water and remove any pieces of tentacles that may have become stuck in the skin. You can apply vinegar and warm compresses and seek medical assistance.
Developing its activity since 2016, the GelAvista program has involved citizens in science to collect the necessary information on the appearance or absence of gelatinous organisms on the Portuguese coast. It receives information on the presence of gelatinous organisms, alerts the population and transmits scientific information on the species, as well as the care that must be taken in case of direct contact with the skin.
Any appearance of this or other species of gelatinous organisms can be reported to the GelAvista program. The information for each sighting (date, location, number of organisms and photo to use as a stopover) must be sent through the GelAvista application available for iOS and Android systems or by email [email protected]
The most recent occurrences of gelatinous organisms in Portugal are frequently shared on the GelAvista Facebook page, and information on the species is also available on the gelavista.ipma.pt website.
Gelavista intends to continue to count on the collaboration of the population to study and understand the dynamics of large-scale gelatinous organisms in the national territory so that, in the future, it is possible to forecast these events.
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