Dead jellyfish on Ras Al Khaimah beaches worries residents

Ras Al Khaimah - The stench is keeping beachgoers away.

Shoals of dead jellyfish have washed up on the beaches of Ras Al Khaimah. While authorities concerned have dubbed it as a "natural and seasonal phenomenon", the sight of the dead fish has left many residents worried.
Khalifa Saif Al Muhairi, chairman, Fishermen Society, RAK, said: "There is no need to worry because it is a natural phenomenon which happens during this time. The dead jellyfish spotted along Al Geer area, 40km to the north of RAK city, are mostly eaten by marine turtles."
Jellyfish is also a perfect hideout for small fish, he added. "They hide in jellyfish for fear of being eaten by bigger fish."
Humaid Al Zaabi, deputy chairman, Fishermen Society, RAK, said some of the dead jellyfish were stuck in the nets of fishermen, and were then dumped.
"Some others got pulled to the beach and they could not swim back, and failed to survive the heat."
However, the dead jellyfish lying along the beaches has raised worries among residents.
Abdullah Al Shehi, an Emirati national, said they were shocked to see the huge number of dead jellyfish along the shores.
"Jellyfish are always harmful to adults and kids alike," he said.
Mohammed Ashraf, another local, said that he used to go to the beach every day, but can't enjoy now because of the "big number of dead jellyfish that has washed ashore". "I can not also let my kids go to the beach for the same reason."
The Al Geer beach, in particular, is covered with many of the dead jellyfish, Ali Al Shehi, an Emirati, said. "They do not look good and give out a terrible stench."
Raed Saleh, a Jordanian resident, pointed out that some of the jellyfish spotted were big with 50cm long tails.
"Jellyfish stings are dangerous and many fisherman will vouch for that."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• Ras Al Khaimah