O GelAvista, citizen science program, responsible for monitoring gelatinous organisms (jellyfish or jellyfish) on the Portuguese coast, every year counts on the collaboration of coastal municipalities to promote the program among the Portuguese population.
To continue this action, GelAvista shared with the Municipal Councils, responsible for the maintenance and surveillance of bathing areas across the country, the 2020 disclosure posters, in order to make the information available for consultation during the bathing season.
Information on how to participate in the program and what to do in case of direct contact with the stinging species that occur in each region.
The recent GelAvista app (available for android systems and iOS), also mentioned in the posters, allows you to consult more detailed information about each species that occurs in Portugal and provides a map with the most recent occurrences.
This digital tool aims to send and record sightings, which are visible on the map after validation, allowing users to consult and contribute to the scientific knowledge of jellyfish in Portugal.
O GelAvista intends to involve citizens in science, educate and alert to the occurrence of these organisms, obtaining vital information necessary for the study of marine ecosystems.
Recognize the stinging species that occur on the Portuguese coast, such as the Portuguese caravel (Physalia physalis) and the jellyfish (Pelagia noctiluca) is very important to prevent severe burns during bathing.
In case of direct contact with the tentacles of the Portuguese caravel, the GelAvista program reveals that «vinegar and hot compresses should be applied, while for any other stinging species, ice and, if possible, sodium bicarbonate should be applied».
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