Spanish โAuthorities Warn of Dangerous “Blue Dragon” Closures of Beaches
Spain – Several beaches across Spain have been temporarily closed due to a surge in sightings of the Glaucus atlanticus, commonly known asโ the “Blue Dragon,” a smallโค but perhaps dangerous marine creature. โSpanish police issued warnings via social media after reports from sources including actu.fr highlighted the issue. Closures have alreadyโค impacted popular destinations in Mallorca, the โขCanary Islands, andalusia, and Lanzarote.
The Blueโ Dragon, measuring up to 4 centimeters in length, is a pelagic sea slug that drifts on the ocean surface,โ carried by currents. While visually striking,the creature poses a significant threat due toโข it’s unique defense mechanism. It consumes Portuguese man-of-war and stores the stinging nematocysts (venomousโ cells) within โฃits own tissues, deploying them when threatened.
“Contact โฃwith this marine โขanimal can be dangerous and cause painfulโ burns on the skin,” authorities stated in their public advisory.
A bite from a Blue Dragon can result in severe burns,nausea,vomiting,and potentially life-threatening allergic reactions. According to the Doris database,cited by Actu.fr, the intense pain induced by the venom can even lead to syncope and, in rare cases, drowning.
Understandingโฃ the Blue Dragon & Recent Surge
the Glaucus atlanticus is native to the oceans ofโ the world, and sightings, while not unheardโข of, โคhave becomeโฃ increasingly frequent in recent years. Experts believeโ this is likely linked to a combination of factors including โขwarming ocean temperatures, changes in currents, and an โincrease in the population of Portuguese man-of-war – the Blue Dragon’s primary food source. โข Theโข recent closures are not isolated to Spain; similar warnings โhave been issuedโข in other parts โขof the Mediterranean andโข Atlantic coasts.The debate reports that this is not the first time Spanishโ beaches have faced closures due to the Blue Dragon, indicating a growing pattern.
If You Encounter a blue Dragon:
Authorities strongly advise the public โto maintain a safe distance if they spot a Blue Dragon and promptly notify local emergency services. โ Direct contact โshould โคbe avoided under all circumstances.
If accidental contact occurs:
wash the affected area with salt water. Do not useโค fresh water, as it can cause the nematocysts to fire, worsening the sting.
Apply cold compress. Use iceโค wrapped in a cloth to alleviate inflammation and pain. Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe, including difficultyโ breathing, widespread rash, or signs ofโฃ an allergic reaction.
Resources:
โ Actu.fr: https://doris.ffessm.fr/Especes/Glaucus-atlanticus-Dragon-bleu-pelagique-4985
El Debate:
