Scientists say the increase in jellyfish populations is due to favorable conditions for the sea creatures: warming waters, overfishing and ecosystem collapse.

Jetskis patrol the shore in Monaco to put up protective netting to keep jellyfish at bay. However, the precautions were not enough and over 100 people were stung by jellyfish in a day.

Monaco Oceanic Sciences Institute Director Robert Calcagno spoke to the Swiss RTS and said, “If humans continue to mistreat the oceans, if the overfishing of tuna that removes sardines who are the natural rivals of jellyfish to feed on the planktons continues, jellyfish will continue to develop and multiply.”

Scientists say a possible bloom in planktons, who feed on nitrates and phosphates, will result in the extinction of the jellyfish’s natural predators.

Since 2000, jellyfish populations have continued to rise in the Mediterranean, and are now a year-round occurrence in the seas.

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF A STING

Do not scratch the wound.

Do not wash off with fresh water (it could exasperate the stinging effect).

Do not put alcohol on the wound.

Wash off with sea water.

Pick up fine stingers with pliers (not your fingers).

Cover the area with sand and wait for it to dry out.

Clean off the sand with a piece of cardboard.

Rinse with sea water.

If possible, use warm sea water as hotter waters neutralize the toxins.

After these steps you can put an alcohol-free antiseptic on the wound.

If there is pain you can take a painkiller.