Jellyfish, both mesmerizing and menacing, are an integral part of marine ecosystems. In the Philippines, a global hotspot for marine biodiversity, increasing encounters with venomous species, particularly box jellyfish, have sparked growing concerns among researchers, coastal communities, and the tourism industry.
Researchers from various institutions are studying these creatures to better understand their biology, distribution, and impact on human activities. In an in-depth discussion with top integrated media community with millions of audience members, Simpol.ph, a group of researchers shared key insights on jellyfish stings, first-aid treatments, and ongoing research efforts.
The international research team included Dr. Sheldon Rey Boco, Christine Gloria Grace Capidos, and Dennis Talacay of the Philippine Jellyfish Stings Project, along with Raffy Jay Fornillos and Dr. Ian Kendrich Fontanilla of the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman College of Science’s Institute of Biology; Dr. Phuping Sucharitakul and Dr. Jonathan Lawley of Griffith University’s School of Environment and Science in Queensland, Australia; Dr. Allen Collins of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.; Joseph Elliz Comendador of the National Museum of Natural History at the National Museum of the Philippines; and Facundo Rey Ladiao of Leyte Normal University.
A group of international researchers, led by Dr. Sheldon Rey Boco, shared key insights on jellyfish stings, first-aid treatments, and ongoing research efforts.
Tracking venomous jellyfish in the PH
Jellyfish, particularly the species Chironex, are widespread in Philippine waters. They are commonly found in embayments and bays, where waves are weaker, and in diverse environments such as coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and seaweed meadows. “They can also inhabit both murky and clear, calm waters,” a researcher noted.
Reports indicate that Caribdeidae jellyfish, or the single-tentacle box jellyfish, have been found in areas such as Balayan Bay in Batangas, Cebu, and Palawan. However, their full distribution remains uncertain. “Irukandji box jellyfish are often found offshore rather than near the coast,” a researcher explained. “Compared to Chironex, which thrive in coastal waters, Irukandji jellyfish tend to inhabit deeper waters farther from shore.”
On the other hand, Chironex species are commonly found in coastal waters as shallow as one meter or less. “That’s an overview of their distribution and variations,” a researcher added. However, the uncertainty surrounding their movements and population dynamics poses challenges for marine safety and conservation efforts.
Dispelling myths
Jellyfish stings, particularly from box jellyfish, can be life-threatening. However, misinformation about treatment methods remains widespread. One of the most persistent myths is the use of urine to neutralize jellyfish venom.
“Despite widespread public awareness campaigns promoting vinegar as the correct treatment, I still see people mentioning urine as a remedy on social media,” one researcher said.
However, scientific evidence debunks this belief. “Urine is not effective at neutralizing jellyfish venom,” another researcher emphasized. “While there isn’t conclusive evidence that it worsens symptoms, it does not help at all. It is not acidic enough to deactivate the venom.”
“The venom of jellyfish comes from nematocysts, which are protein-based structures,” a researcher explained. “Acids can help denature these proteins. However, urine’s acidity varies from person to person, so you can’t rely on it. Worse, if you use the wrong substance, such as urine, sand, or ice, it may trigger the nematocysts to fire more venom into your skin, worsening the sting.”
“That’s why we strongly advise against rubbing the area with sand, using ice, or applying urine,” another researcher added. “These methods only make the situation worse.”
Instead, vinegar is the recommended treatment. “Vinegar has been shown to be effective in treating jellyfish stings,” a researcher confirmed. The official protocol involves immediately applying vinegar to the affected area, flushing with seawater to remove any remaining tentacles, and using tweezers to carefully extract any fragments.
“In the Philippines, the use of vinegar is officially recommended in a UNESCO document co-authored by the country,” one researcher shared. In severe cases, where the venom affects the heart, performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is crucial. “If other methods fail, administering CPR until medical help arrives is essential,” the researcher added.
In Thailand, a similar effort has been made to establish a structured jellyfish sting response system. Researchers there have written medical guidebooks and ensured that vinegar is widely recognized as the first line of treatment.
Jellyfish blooms and their impact
Jellyfish have a profound impact on marine ecosystems and economies beyond their dangers to swimmers. While they contribute to biodiversity, jellyfish blooms — sudden population explosions — can disrupt fishing industries and deter tourists.
“Jellyfish have both positive and negative impacts on society,” a researcher explained. “On the positive side, they are visually stunning. Attractions such as the Manila Ocean Park and other marine theme parks would not be the same without jellyfish exhibits.”
Jellyfish also play a role in the ocean’s carbon cycle. “Their bodies contain carbon, and when they die, they sink to the ocean floor, potentially helping mitigate carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere,” a researcher shared. “However, this concept requires further scientific validation.”
On the negative side, jellyfish blooms can affect fish populations by consuming large amounts of zooplankton and small fish, which are essential food sources for larger marine species. “Since humans rely on fish for food and trade, an overabundance of jellyfish could pose competition for resources,” a researcher explained.
Some countries have already experienced economic setbacks due to jellyfish. “A striking example is Japan, where periodic blooms of the lion’s mane jellyfish — some as large as SUVs — pose challenges for the fishing industry,” a researcher noted. “The Nomura jellyfish can become entangled in fishing nets, making it difficult for fishers to retrieve their catch.”
In the Philippines, the tourism industry is also at risk. “In Palawan, some tourist operators may not disclose the presence of box jellyfish, fearing it would deter visitors from engaging in beach activities,” one researcher revealed. “While this is a common business practice, the actual economic impact of jellyfish-related deterrence remains unquantified.”
Why researchers study jellyfish
For many researchers, the study of jellyfish is deeply personal. Some were drawn to the field after witnessing or experiencing stings themselves. “In 2013, I was stung by a box jellyfish in Thailand,” one researcher recalled. “At the time, no one knew what to do. I lost consciousness, and it was a life-threatening event. That experience made me realize the importance of public awareness and preventative measures.”
Others, particularly those in evolutionary biology, study jellyfish through environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques. “Our goal is to detect jellyfish presence through eDNA analysis, even without direct observation,” a researcher explained. “By testing water samples for jellyfish DNA, we can identify their presence in an area.”
Jellyfish stings disproportionately affect marginalized coastal communities, where medical resources are limited. “Many of these communities accept stings as a normal occurrence, which should not be the case,” a researcher emphasized. “We need to bring attention to this issue and advocate for prevention measures.”
Research on jellyfish in the Philippines is gaining momentum despite limited funding. The Philippine Jellyfish Stings Project, launched in 2015, relies on citizen science contributions to track jellyfish sightings. “Through this study, we confirmed that Chironex yamaguchii occurs across all Philippine marine biogeographic zones,” a researcher shared.
Meanwhile, DLSU’s Jellyfish Ecology and Envenomation Study explores how environmental factors influence jellyfish populations. These findings could inform policies to mitigate jellyfish-related risks, particularly in tourism-heavy regions.
Predicting jellyfish blooms remains challenging, though countries like Australia are experimenting with drone surveillance and artificial intelligence to improve forecasting.
Refer to these references for further details on the study:
Boco, S. R., Capidos, C. G., Fornillos, R. J., Sucharitakul, P., Lawley, J. W., Talacay, D., Collins, A. G., Fontanilla, I. K., Comendador, J. E., & Ladiao, F. R. (2025). Molecular signatures reveal intra-species divergence, undetectable by traditional morphology, in the deadly box jellyfish, Chironex yamaguchii (Cubozoa; Chirodropidae) of western Pacific. Regional Studies in Marine Science, 82, 104033. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2025.104033.
Verdadero, F. X., Licuanan, W., Ang, J. L., De los Santos Jr, B., & Metillo, E. (2022). Harmful jellyfishes are manageable. The Philippine Journal of Fisheries, 209-216. https://doi.org/10.31398/tpjf/29.2.2021-0032.
