The number of sightings of Portuguese man o’ war (Physalia physalis) reported to IPMA's monitoring program for gelatinous organisms on the Portuguese coast (GelAvista) has been increasing over the last week, in the Azores and on the mainland, with cases from Espinho until Sines.

The Portuguese man o’ war, a colony of organisms from the hydrozoan class similar in appearance to a jellyfish, is the most dangerous gelatinous species that appears in Portugal, which is why IPMA asks that if people spot it in the sea or on the sand, they should not touch them and instead inform anyone nearby. They can cause severe skin injuries, similar to burns, even after they are dead.

In case of accidental contact, IPMA advises washing the affected area with sea water but without rubbing, removing possible traces of tentacles, and applying hot compresses or vinegar for 20 minutes.

To participate in the monitoring of jellyfish in Portugal, simply send sighting information through the GelAvista application or to plancton@ipma.pt.