Researchers are working to predict bluebottle migrations, and you can help

Surf Life Saving Australia states that there are over 40,000+ marine stinger incidents per year, and a majority of those incidents are from bluebottles. While bluebottle stings are not fatal, they are painful and can affect those most vulnerable in the community, such as children, the elderly, and those with allergies to the venom.

There isn’t much you can do about the migrations, at least not yet, as it is a natural phenomenon. There is, however, a way for the community to help key researchers understand the conditions that cause Bluebottles to emerge. The goal for the collaboration is to accumulate enough research data to give accurate predictive models on when and how the migrations are occurring. UNSW states:

‘We will use an innovative combination of lab work, ocean surveys, statistical and hydrodynamic modelling to fill knowledge gaps and ultimately develop the first bluebottle risk prediction tool for our popular beaches in partnership with Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA).’

The objective is to develop an early warning system to help beach goers stay safe from the migrations and reduce first aid incidents on the beaches. The tool is still in development, but the goal is to issue public warnings at least a day in advance.

While UNSW is developing advanced monitoring tools including 3D printed bluebottles with GPS, there is still a need for ground research, and citizen research is an excellent source of primary data. One particular interest is the revelation that Blue Bottles have a 'handedness', which means their stingers are either on the left or right tendril.

Board riders can be key contributors

If you have ever been stung by a bluebottle while surfing, you understand how frustrating and painful it can be. 1 in 6 Australian’s report being stung by a bluebottle at some point in their life, and the misconception that they only come out in Summer doesn’t help.

The reality is that they appear all-year-round and despite their major population influx in the summer, they can become an unwelcome surprise at any time.

The organisation is looking for citizen scientists who can report details about bluebottles, including location, size, and handedness. As the research has progressed the data provided has already shown some very interesting conclusions, one of which is that bluebottles have a 'handedness'.

How to help BluebottleWatch and be a Citizen Scientist

If you are interested in contributing, they have made it easy. The organisation has started an iNaturalist campaign, which allows you to send observations directly to the team. Surf Life Saving Australia released a statement with the following instructions:

‘If you see a bluebottle on the beach, first please don’t touch its tentacles! They can still sting you even when they are dead.’

‘Please take a photo and upload it to the iNaturalist platform, ideally from directly above the bluebottle and with an indication of the length of the float/pneumatophore (if you can, include your finger in the photo).’

‘If you are really keen, please join our iNaturalist project, where you can add an estimate of the abundance, the size, and even learn how to identify the handedness of the bluebottle (step by step instructions are available in the iNaturalist project).’

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