Professor Kylie Pitt explains why brown ‘snotty’ jellyfish are on Sunshine Coast beaches this summer

As swarms of brown ‘snotty’ jellyfish wash up on our pristine coastlines, a SeaWorld expert reveals what they are doing here and why they make a perfect snack for other creatures. VIDEO.

Brown ‘snotty’ jellyfish are on Sunshine Coast beaches this summer. Picture: Mark Furler.

As swarms of brown ‘snotty’ jellyfish continue to wash up on our pristine coastlines, a SeaWorld marine biologist and jellyfish expert weighs in revealing what they are doing here by the bucketloads.

Sunshine Coast residents have been astonished by the number of brown jellyfish they have spotted on the beach this week.

One local, Kathy Sundstrom, said she had never seen so many.

“It’s snotty very nice out there,” she said.

“Never seen so many snotties (brown jellies that look like big blobs of snot until you swim into them).

“Do they hurt? Yes they do!

“Not as bad as a blue bottle but the sting lasts a few hours and the scars a few days.”

Brown 'snotty' jellyfish washed up on Sunshine Coast beaches. Picture: Kathy Sundstrom.

Griffith University professor Kylie Pitt, a marine ecologist and jellyfish expert, said based upon the picture of the jellyfish in the sand, she was not sure of the species.

“There’s a group of species it could be,” she said.

“All would hurt a little bit if stung. But none are particularly dangerous.

“It’s still best not to touch them though.”

The professor said it was common for “jellies” to wash up on beaches over summer.

“They’re most abundant in coastal waters this time of year. Especially with the currents and winds. It’s a natural event,” she said.

Professor Kylie Pitt explains why brown ‘snotty’ jellyfish are on Sunshine Coast beaches this summer. Picture: contributed/Griffith University.

“Jellies have lots of positive roles in our ecosystem and are good for the environment. One being food for our turtles.

“Turtles will eat many types of jellyfish and they would probably snack on these ones.

“I don’t like giving medical advice as it’s not my area but a sting from one of this is not likely to cause much pain.

“Wash it off and if it doesn’t get better on its own seek medical treatment.”

Ms Pitt leads the Griffith Sea Jellies Research Laboratory within the SeaWorld theme park. It is on display to the public and provides a unique opportunity for the community to observe scientific research.

Much of Ms Pitt’s current research focuses on solving problematic interactions between jellyfishes and coastal communities and industries.

Originally published as Professor Kylie Pitt explains why brown ‘snotty’ jellyfish are on Sunshine Coast beaches this summer