Blue Button Jellyfish. (Image courtesy of the National Institute of Fisheries Science (NIFS), Korea)
BUSAN, August 6 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s fisheries authorities have issued a public advisory following the rapid spread of the subtropical Blue Button Jellyfish (Porpita porpita) across the nation’s southern and eastern coasts, raising concerns over potential allergic reactions in beachgoers.
According to the National Institute of Fisheries Science (NIFS), the jellyfish—first detected off Jeju Island on July 17—has since been spotted in large numbers along the southern and eastern seaboards, including in Jeollanam-do, Gyeongsangnam-do, Busan, and Gyeongsangbuk-do. Officials expect the influx to reach the Gangwon coast by this weekend.
While the jellyfish’s sting is considered mild and poses minimal risk to fisheries, contact can trigger allergic skin reactions or dermatitis in humans, prompting health officials to urge caution, particularly during the peak beach season.
The Blue Button Jellyfish, typically measuring 2–3 centimeters in diameter, thrives near the ocean surface and feeds on plankton using its tentacles. Its current proliferation is believed to be driven by rising sea temperatures and the intensified flow of the Tsushima Warm Current, both linked to ongoing climate change.
This is the first time the jellyfish has appeared in such volume along the South and East Seas, though a mass sighting near Jeju occurred in October 2021.
“Subtropical jellyfish blooms are becoming more frequent,” said Choi Yong-seok, Director of the NIFS. “With the summer tourism season in full swing, there is a heightened risk of sting incidents among swimmers and fishermen, making increased vigilance essential.”
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
