Venomous Weever Fish, Stinging Jellyfish Warnings Across UK, Ireland Beaches

This summer, there have been multiple reports of venomous marine creatures causing painful stings to swimmers and beachgoers across parts of the UK and Ireland. In East Lothian, six reports of weever fish stings were recorded at Belhaven Bay; these fish hide in sand with venomous dorsal spines that can cause intense pain, and authorities recommend wearing wetsuit boots or swimming shoes as a precaution. Similarly, lifeguards in northeast England have noted an increase in weever fish stings linked to hot weather, emphasizing the fish's camouflage and painful sting. In West Cork, about 100 Pelagia Mauve Stinger jellyfish, known for their painful stings lasting up to two weeks and potential long-term skin flare-ups, have been spotted in Lough Hyne, leading to warnings against swimming there. Meanwhile, on the French Mediterranean coast, unusual sightings of giant Mobula rays near shorelines have been reported, with experts concerned this atypical behavior may signal environmental stress, as these endangered rays usually inhabit deep offshore waters. Overall, these incidents highlight growing interactions between humans and venomous or endangered marine species, prompting safety advisories and scientific concern.