While jellyfish have regularly caused warning flags, swimming restrictions and painful encounters at many beaches along the Costa del Sol in recent summers, holidaymakers and locals are experiencing a surprising exception this year. According to marine biologists, there are currently remarkably few jellyfish along the coastline, and this favourable situation could continue for several more weeks.
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
The reason for this is a set of unusual current patterns in the western Mediterranean, which are currently preventing the marine animals from reaching the beaches of Málaga province.
Currents create a natural barrier
According to marine experts, unusual current patterns have developed in the Alboran Sea, the area of water between the Strait of Gibraltar and Spain’s Mediterranean coast. A strong influx of Atlantic water is altering the dynamics of the sea and leading to the formation of two large ocean eddies.
One of these eddies is located off the Calaburras Lighthouse between Mijas and Fuengirola, while another lies off the coast of Motril in Granada province. Together, they act as a natural barrier: jellyfish that would normally be carried towards the shore by wind and sea currents are instead kept far out in open waters.
Even the Levante cannot push the jellyfish towards the shore
According to scientists, it is particularly noteworthy that even the well-known Levante wind in Andalusia is currently having little impact on the situation.
Normally, this strong easterly wind regularly causes jellyfish to be washed onto the beaches within a matter of hours. This summer, however, the sea currents appear to be stronger than the effect of the wind. The jellyfish are continuing to be kept offshore and are therefore rarely reaching bathing areas.
For beachgoers, this means much more pleasant conditions compared with many previous summers.
Fearsome mauve stinger jellyfish remains absent so far
One particular species is responsible for causing regular problems along the Costa del Sol: the mauve stinger jellyfish (Pelagia noctiluca).
The jellyfish, which is usually pink to violet in colour, is relatively small but has highly effective stinging cells. Even brief contact can cause intense pain, skin irritation and long-lasting discomfort. In years with favourable current conditions, these creatures often appear in large swarms and result in yellow or even red warning flags being raised at numerous beaches.
However, only isolated sightings have been recorded so far this summer.
Good news for holidaymakers
For the tourism industry, this development comes at exactly the right time. The Costa del Sol is in the middle of its peak season, with tens of thousands of people visiting the beaches between Nerja, Málaga, Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Fuengirola, Marbella and Estepona every day.
If the current sea currents remain unchanged, beachgoers could enjoy most of the summer without any major jellyfish outbreaks. This would benefit not only holidaymakers, but also lifeguards and beach services, which regularly deal with numerous incidents involving painful stings in years with high numbers of jellyfish.
The situation can change at any time
Despite the positive development, experts are urging caution. The presence of jellyfish is part of natural processes in the Mediterranean and can change within just a few days.
If wind direction or sea currents change, individual swarms could still reach the coast. The risk normally increases significantly, particularly after prolonged periods of Levante winds.
For this reason, authorities and lifeguard services continue to recommend paying attention to the flags displayed on beaches as well as any current updates issued by local councils.
Jellyfish are part of the ecosystem
Although jellyfish are often seen as a nuisance by beachgoers, they play an important ecological role in the marine environment. They are part of the food chain and provide a source of food for numerous fish species and sea turtles.
Scientists therefore point out that individual sightings are not an unusual occurrence. What matters is whether winds and currents concentrate large numbers of jellyfish close to the coastline – and that is precisely what appears to be absent so far this summer.
If the current weather and sea current conditions continue, the beaches of the Costa del Sol could experience one of the most pleasant and jellyfish-free summers of recent years – a rare piece of good news that is likely to delight both holidaymakers and locals alike.
