The jellyfish, which can grow up to one foot (30cm) wide, were spotted after high tide on the shore at Gunwalloe on the Lizard Peninsular, where BBC’s Poldark was filmed.
The sea creatures, which are so-named because their markings can make them resemble a compass, can give a nasty sting – even after they have died. Marine experts say the species are venturing closer ashore due to the rising sea temperatures and swimmers should be “cautious.”
Holidaymaker Claire Wilson said: “I’ve been coming to this beach for 50 years and I’ve never seen these jellyfish here before. The sand was covered with them and there were even some swimming in the sea so I was really worried about paddling in case I stepped on one.”
A spokesman for The Cornish Wildlife Trust said: “Jellyfish spawn en masse and then die off quickly, then are blown inshore by onshore winds leading to multiple strandings like this. It is always worth being cautious around them since their sting can still be potent post-mortem if they are still wet.”
Our Story Appeared In
