A poisonous sea animal closes Europe's beaches: could it also reach the Adriatic?

A toxic marine organism known as the Portuguese man o' war has forced the closure of several beaches along the coasts of France and Portugal, raising concerns about its potential spread to the Adriatic Sea. The creature, often mistaken for a jellyfish, is responsible for severe pain and can require emergency medical attention after contact with its venomous tentacles. With rising sea temperatures and shifting ocean currents, experts warn that this dangerous species could soon appear in the Adriatic region. The Portuguese man o' war is a colony of organisms, technically classified as a siphonophore, composed of multiple types of polyps working together as one entity. It is easily identifiable by a gas-filled bladder that floats above the water's surface, typically appearing in colors ranging from blue to purple or pink. This floating structure resembles a small balloon, a plastic bubble, or even a plastic bag, making it easy for swimmers to overlook. However, the greatest danger lies beneath the surface. Long, thin, and nearly invisible tentacles extend from the floating body, each filled with venomous cells called cnidocytes. These tentacles can measure up to ten meters in average length, with some reaching lengths of up to fifty meters. The venom contained within these structures includes potent neurotoxins capable of causing immediate and intense pain, comparable to being burned by hot metal or repeatedly stabbed by needles. In response to recent sightings, authorities have closed several popular beaches in southern France, including areas around Biarritz, Anglet, and Bidart in the Landes department. Similar closures have been reported along parts of the Portuguese coast. Beachgoers who come into contact with the Portuguese man o' war should immediately exit the water, as the pain, panic, or muscle spasms caused by the sting can increase the risk of drowning. Affected skin should be rinsed with seawater or warm water around 45 degrees Celsius. In some cases, vinegar is recommended as a temporary aid. It is crucial to avoid using fresh water, alcohol, or sanding the affected area with a towel, as these actions can trigger additional release of toxins from inactive cnidocytes. If visible tentacle fragments remain on the skin, they should be carefully removed using tweezers, gloves, or the edge of a rigid plastic card. Direct contact with bare hands must be avoided. Immediate medical assistance is required if symptoms such as difficulty breathing, throat swelling, dizziness, weakness, chest pain, or signs of anaphylactic shock occur. Even Portuguese man o' wars washed ashore can pose a threat, as their tentacles may remain venomous for days or even weeks. The presence of this species has increasingly been observed along European coasts over the past two decades, despite its typical habitat being tropical and subtropical regions of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans. Regular sightings have been recorded off the coasts of Portugal, Spain, especially the Canary Islands, the Bay of Biscay, and southwestern France. Experts suggest that while the presence of the Portuguese man o' war in the Adriatic Sea is rare, it is not impossible. Individual specimens and smaller colonies have already been spotted near the Balearic Islands, southern France, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, Malta, and in the Ionian Sea. Marine biologists estimate that the likelihood of the Portuguese man o' war entering the Adriatic is low but not entirely ruled out. As global warming continues to influence ocean conditions, the movement patterns of marine life are likely to change, potentially bringing new threats to previously unaffected coastal areas.