Large numbers of jellyfish resembling silver coins have recently washed ashore along Haikou’s West Coast, prompting health and safety warnings from environmental authorities and marine experts.
The jellyfish, Aequorea coerulescens, commonly known as silver coin jellyfish, were spotted on the beaches stretching from the Haikou Sailing and Windsurfing Training Base south towards the Holiday Beach area. Sanitation workers noticed the unusual influx while patrolling the coastline and quickly flagged the issue due to the jellyfish’s venomous properties.
Toxic Even After Death
According to Liu Yanlong, head of the Water Services Department at Haikou Yuhetian Environmental Services, most of the jellyfish found were already dead. However, he warns that their venom can still irritate or damage skin, even post-mortem.
“When touched, they crumble and their edges break apart,” said Liu. He suspects the jellyfish die shortly after washing ashore but cautions that barefoot contact should be strictly avoided. “People shouldn’t walk on them, even if they appear dead, this could trigger skin reactions or more serious symptoms.”
Sanitation crews have begun cleanup operations, but progress is slow. The jellyfish cling tightly to the sand, making manual removal nearly impossible. Workers are using rakes to collect them, but due to their wide distribution along the coast, clearing efforts are ongoing.
Experts: Natural but Not Harmless
Marine biologist Lu Gang, director of the Haikou Duotan Wetland Research Institute, confirmed that the sudden appearance of these jellyfish is a natural occurrence tied to weather and ocean conditions.
“Silver coin jellyfish are planktonic and typically live in the upper layers of warm tropical and subtropical seas,” Lu explained. “When strong winds and high tides roll in, they can be swept ashore in large numbers. They usually vanish on their own after some time, either drying out or drifting away with the currents.”
While the phenomenon is not unusual for the region, Lu advises beachgoers and tourists to be cautious. Do not touch the jellyfish, and if contact occurs followed by skin irritation or prolonged discomfort, seek medical attention.
Safety First
If you’re visiting Haikou’s beaches in the coming days, be sure to avoid areas where jellyfish are present. Local authorities are continuing to monitor and clean affected zones, but in the meantime, staying off jellyfish-littered stretches of sand is the best way to stay safe.
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