How Researchers Aim to Protect Swimmers from Jellyfish Stings
July 1, 6:00 PM
A new approach to jellyfish safety is being tested, as shown in this image from pexels.com.
Engineers from the Polytechnic University of Valencia and the University of Alicante have created a buoy that uses electromagnetic fields to temporarily immobilize jellyfish, stopping them from stinging. Each year, around 150 million jellyfish stings occur worldwide. The Australian box jellyfish, for instance, can kill an adult in just two minutes. This device is designed to lower the dangers people face when encountering jellyfish while swimming or relaxing in the water.
How the Buoy Works
When activated, the buoy generates a virtual barrier stretching 200 to 300 meters, safely pushing jellyfish away from beaches and other water zones. Each buoy covers up to 300 meters and is fitted with sensors that track water temperature, turbidity, chlorophyll levels, and oxygen content. This allows it to adjust to changing conditions and provide effective protection.
The system runs on a combination of solar panels and wave energy mechanisms, making it environmentally friendly.
“The system is completely safe, and outside the device’s range, jellyfish move normally,” said researcher César Bordehore.This technology could be used on public and private beaches, at industrial sites, and in aquaculture operations.
By emitting electromagnetic fields, the buoy temporarily paralyzes jellyfish, limiting their ability to move and hold position. “Jellyfish move by pulsing—they contract their bell to create a water flow that propels them. By generating electromagnetic fields, we can reduce the number of these pulses,” explained study co-author Jaime Lloret.
This new invention could greatly cut the risk of jellyfish stings and make water recreation safer for everyone. It represents an innovative step toward improving beach safety around the world.
The electromagnetic buoy is especially relevant as water-based leisure activities grow in popularity, often bringing higher risks of jellyfish encounters. With jellyfish appearing more frequently in coastal waters due to ecosystem changes, this technology could significantly enhance swimmer safety and reduce the burden on emergency services. Deploying these devices on beaches may be a key move toward better conditions for water recreation and protecting public health.