NEW MARINE STINGER REPORT LAUNCHED AS STINGER SEASON BEGINS

Deputy Premier and Minister for Health Paul Lucas today launched a new marine stinger report developed in collaboration with key experts, to coincide with the start of the ‘stinger season’ in north Queensland.

The report was developed by the Queensland Government’s Marine Stinger Advisory Group (MSAG) and aims to provide the latest information on marine stingers in one easy to read document.

Mr Lucas said the MSAG coordinated working groups on marine stinger education, prevention, medical treatment and research.

“Ultimately, the group brings together the knowledge of marine stinger experts from across Australia and the Annual Report has now captured their expertise,” Mr Lucas said.

“This report is the first formal report of the MSAG and it is anticipated that a report will be produced each year.

“The chapters are written by representatives from the MSAG but draw on and make accessible the published scientific works of other leading researchers in the field.

“The report answers the key questions of industry and government about marine stingers in north Queensland.

“In particular, it includes current research activities and priorities, a consensus on medical treatment, and a summary of recent education and prevention activities conducted in Queensland.”

Mr Lucas said the primary purpose of the Annual Report was to bring together three main aspects of marine stinger research – species, avoidance techniques (i.e. marine stinger wet suits) and medical treatment to achieve a level of consensus.

“This report will be used by the tourism industry to advise and promote tourist safety and by government to guide policy,” he said.

“The report will be given to Australia Marine Park Tourism Operators for them to distribute to their members, to local government around North Queensland and to relevant State Government agencies.

“It will also be made available on the Queensland Health Chief Health Officer’s ‘Healthy Living in Queensland’ website and on the marinestingers.com website.”

Mr Lucas said the MSAG comprised representatives from:

Queensland Health
Australasian College of Tropical Medicine
Australian Institute of Marine Science, James Cook University
Surf Life Saving Queensland
National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority)
Department of Environment and Resource Management
Queensland Ambulance Service.

“The MSAG follows on from the work of the Queensland Government Irukandji Jellyfish Taskforce, which was in operation from 2002 to 2007,” he said.

“The taskforce was formed in response to increasing community awareness and concern about tropical jellyfish stings, following two deaths in north Queensland.

“In 2007, the taskforce was superseded by the MSAG.”

Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt said the beaches and oceans of tropical Queensland and Australia were an important part of the natural attraction of these regions, but they were also home to several species of marine stingers.

“Whilst marine stingers may be present throughout the entire year in tropical Queensland, the risk associated with stingers is higher during stinger season which typically runs from November through to May,” Ms Jarratt said.

“During these warmer months, it is of particular importance to swim only at a patrolled beach under the guidance and supervision of lifesavers and lifeguards.”

Some simple rules for safe swimming apply to help reduce the risk of incidents involving marine stingers include:

Always swim at patrolled beaches, between the red and yellow flags – Lifesavers and Lifeguards patrol the beaches for your safety and enjoyment.
Look for, observe and obey safety and warning signs.
Don't enter the water when beaches are closed.
Ask a lifesaver or lifeguard for help and advice if you need it.
Don't touch marine stingers washed up on the beach – they can still sting you.

In tropical waters it is also recommended that you take these additional measures:

Where provided, swim within the stinger nets. Do not interfere with stinger-resistant enclosures or sit on floating pontoons. Swimming enclosures afford a high degree of protection, however they are stinger resistant not stinger proof so you still need to exercise caution.
Wear protective clothing (a full-body lycra suit, wetsuit or equivalent).
Enter the water slowly – this gives marine stingers time to move away.
Symptoms for some stings may take up to 40 minutes to develop – if in doubt seek medical aid.

For more information on marine stingers, go to www.marinestingers.com.au.

Ends.

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