Creatures Being Discussed - The fireworm is moving along the Italian coastlines.
These sea creatures may resemble charming sea stars, but their bristly texture could cause significant discomfort: Fireworms (Hermodice carunculata) are now appearing along the Italian coast, potentially causing trouble for beachgoers this summer. The recent heat waves in the Mediterranean might've made these worms feel more comfortable in the waters off Italy and helped them multiply rapidly.
Southern coasts are the most impacted areas, including Sicily, Campania, Apulia, and Calabria. The National Institute for Oceanography and Geophysics (OGS) in Trieste has alerted residents and tourists about the sightings of these 30-centimeter-long sea stars. Michela D'Alessandro of the OGS told dpa that if people encounter these worms, they should avoid touching them at all costs and be cautious when entering the water.
No immediate threat to beachgoers
D'Alessandro stated that there's no immediate danger to beachgoers. While direct contact with the worm's bristles can indeed be dangerous if you're allergic to them, it's still a painful experience for everyone. When the bristles get in contact with your skin, they usually break off, making them difficult to remove. The bristles contain a neurotoxic solution, which results in burning, itching, and deafness. Rarely, people have also experienced dizziness and nausea.
The experts around D'Alessandro think the current widespread growth of these worms is due to the rising temperatures in the Mediterranean in recent years. Although these worms have been around for hundreds of years, they've become more noticeable since 2018. They've spread rapidly since then, especially after severe heat waves. Other factors that contribute to their spread during the summer months are the absence of predators.
A dilemma for fishing communities
The fireworms are predominantly found on the seabed, seagrass meadows, or occasionally in the sand. Aside from being a nuisance for beachgoers, they're also a challenge for fishermen: They tend to show up in large numbers in fishing nets and gear, making it difficult for fishermen to do their jobs. "Worms Out," a project headed by several Italian universities, was created to tackle this problem.
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- Despite the presence of these annoying fireworms along Italy's coasts, many tourists still flock to Italy's famous tourist attractions, such as Sicily, Campania, Apulia, Calabria, and Rome, for their vacations to enjoy the Mediterranean Sea's beautiful beaches and nature.
- As the fireworms have become more widespread, Italy's institutes for marine research, like the National Institute for Oceanography and Geophysics (OGS) in Trieste, have been working on understanding the impact on the local marine ecosystem and how to manage the influx of these creatures.
- On the other hand, the fireworms pose a threat to animals inhabiting the Mediterranean Sea, such as the centipedes that live in Apulia's coastal caves, not as commonly known as the fireworms, but an important part of the Mediterranean's biodiversity.
- In an effort to promote sustainable tourism and protect marine life, many organizations in Trieste, along Italy's Adriatic coast in Campania, are working to raise awareness about the importance of our oceans and the creatures that inhabit them, such as the fireworms, to visitors and locals alike.
- As travelers plan their summer vacations in Apulia and Calabria, they may want to consider spending time exploring inland instead, visiting historical sites like the Grottaglie pottery district or the ancient Ruins of Paestum, to ensure they have an enjoyable and safe experience without encountering the bristly wrath of the fireworms.
- Trieste's rich history as a maritime trading hub dates back to Roman times, making it a lovely destination for those looking to enjoy a mix of culture, history, and natural beauty, while also avoiding the fireworm problem encountered along Italy's coasts.
- The presence of fireworms and other marine creatures like the fireworm's Italian cousin, the "sea hedgehog" (Parastichopus tremulus), is an essential aspect of the Mediterranean Sea's marine biodiversity and tourists should avoid activities that harm this delicate balance.
- While planning your vacation in Italy, it's essential to consider the country's coastal wildlife and the potential impacts of over tourism, and be respectful and aware of the environmental concerns some areas like Apulia and Calabria may face, as well as the presence of marine creatures like the fireworms and the centipedes in Apulia's caves.
