Irukandji warning for Ningaloo Reef

www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/news/media-statements/item/78-irukandji-warning-for-ningaloo-reef?fb_action_ids=487308578019436&fb_action_types=og.recommends&fb_source=aggregation&fb_aggregation_id=288381481237582


Irukandji warning for Ningaloo Reef

Published: Thursday, 11 July 2013 10:55
An irukandji jellyfish
An irukandji jellyfish
The Department of Parks and Wildlife has urged people visiting Ningaloo Marine Park to be aware of the presence of irukandji jellyfish following the sighting of three of the animals in the offshore waters of Ningaloo Reef and Exmouth Gulf.

Commercial operators in particular should be aware of the dangers of irukandji and understand first aid procedures.

People are also reminded that wearing full body stinger suits made of nylon or lycra or other body coverings can reduce the likelihood of being stung. However, the faces, hands and feet may stil be at risk if they are not covered.

If people are stung by an irukandji, they should be aware that:

the animals are small, transparent and not often seen. The initial sting may be minor and go unnoticed as nothing more than a painful irritant with a rash akin to that of prickly heat;
if you have been in the sea and feel like you may have been stung, treat all unexpected pain with suspicion, no matter how slight. irukandji stings generally cause minor local redness and are not associated with welts.
generalised signs and symptoms relating to irukandji syndrome may not be immediate and generally appear between five to 45 minutes after the initial sting. Signs and symptoms can include:
? severe generalised muscle pain

? headache

? nausea

? vomiting

? anxiety

? restlessness

? breathing difficulties

? sweating

If you suspect someone has been stung:

? pour vinegar onto the sting but do not rub and do not rinse with freshwater

? treat using the principles of DRABC (danger, response, airways, breathing, circulation)

? seek urgent medical assistance

A warning for Easter holidayers to exercise extreme caution has been issued after a three-metre salt water crocodile was seen inside the lagoon area of Ningaloo Marine Park.

The crocodile was seen within 15 metres of the shoreline just to the north of Pelican Point near Waroora Station.

Department of Environment and Conservation Exmouth District Manager Arvid Hogstrom said public safety was a priority but people should not panic.

?DEC has arranged aerial surveillance in order to confirm the sighting and monitor the crocodile?s activity where possible, so we can advise people where they may need to take precautions,? Mr Hogstrom said.

?With Easter coming up the Ningaloo coast is full of holidaymakers and our focus is on warning people of the potential danger while we try to confirm and locate the animal.

?If and when we find it, we will assess the situation and determine whether the crocodile can be trapped and relocated.?

Mr Hogstrom said saltwater crocodile sightings this far south were rare but had occurred before.

?The last time we saw a saltwater crocodile in this area was at Coral Bay in 2009, and it is important that people take care on the beach and do not swim in the vicinity of the reptile,? he said.

Public warnings will be erected to ensure residents and visitors are aware of the crocodile report.

Saltwater crocodiles live in coastal rivers and swamps and often frequent the open sea and around islands. They may also extend well inland along major rivers, floodplain billabongs and into freshwater rivers, creeks and swamps.

The normal distribution of saltwater crocodiles in Western Australia is from near Onslow, about 100 kilometres north of Ningaloo, up the coast to the Northern Territory border. Most are found along the Kimberley coast.

Saltwater and freshwater crocodiles are protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act and may not be killed or taken from the wild without a licence. If the crocodile reported in the marine park is determined to pose a threat to the community, DEC says it will remove it, or, if there is no other option, kill it.

Sightings of saltwater crocodiles should be reported to the DEC Exmouth District Office on 9947 8000.




SO, backpackers and fossils beware , there are also GW's , tiger sharks , bull sharks, deadly sea snakes,and crabs that NIP

Stay in Carnarvon , much safer there

Weren't the married couple that drowned just south of Coral Bay a couple of months ago suspected of being done in by Irukandji?

sorry to be annoying but i still cant find where they post irukanji warnings for queensland.....

It's teh SHARKNADO you have to be careful of , Global warming ya know!!