The Occurrence of Harmful Jellyfish Outbreaks and Human Stung Reported at Recreational Beaches in Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Abstract

Harmful jellyfish outbreaks have occurred annually in Southern Java. The occurrence could be seen at recreational beaches such as Baron Beach, Kukup Beach, Parangtritis Beach, and Glagah Beach. Although outbreaks happen every year, there are few studies. This research investigates the occurrence of harmful jellyfish and the number of visitors stung at recreational beaches in the Yogyakarta Special Region based on interview approaches and literature review. The outbreaks of harmful jellyfish, identified as Physalia cf physalis, occurred during June-August every year at recreational beaches in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. In this year, the outbreaks of harmful jellyfish Physalia cf physalis started in late June. Total 913 people were reported stung during 19 June-12 July. Visitors stung by harmful jellyfish at Parangtritis beach and Kukup beach account for 89.92% and 6.46%, respectively. Visitors stung increased during the weekend (except on Kukup Beach). The first-aid treatment was made by the local rescue team, namely Satuan Perlindungan Masyarakat (Satlinmas), using hot water, vinegar, and topical analgesic as a painkiller. Sometimes, they use traditional medicine from Jinking (Mictyris sp, which is abundant in the coastal area) to reduce the pain. This study's information is a critical baseline study for the biology and ecology of harmful jellyfish in the future.