Kedah Fisheries Department confirms box jellyfish presence in Langkawi waters, warning of danger to recreational and commercial activities
ALOR SETAR: The Kedah Fisheries Department has confirmed box jellyfish presence in Langkawi waters following recent reports.
Director Sukri Deris stated this year’s detection level remains very moderate and won’t completely halt recreational activities.
“Nevertheless, their presence is sufficient to pose a danger to activities in these waters, whether recreational or other commercial activities such as fishing,” he said in a statement.
The species ranges from Australian waters throughout Southeast Asia, possibly carried to Langkawi during monsoon transitions.
Changing sea current patterns may be pushing jellyfish closer to shorelines, Sukri explained.
Heavy rainfall discharging freshwater and nutrients into the sea could also influence their coastal presence.
“This may influence the presence of box jellyfish near the coastline, as food sources become more abundant in coastal areas when more freshwater flows into the sea,” he added.
The department will continue monitoring and coordinate with the District Disaster Committee on comprehensive measures.
Continuous public announcements will raise awareness about jellyfish dangers, Sukri confirmed. – Bernama