Clinging Jellyfish - 2018

Clinging Jellyfish
Clinging Jellyfish - Gonionemus vertens
very dangerous

This is a Pacific coast jellyfish that has been spotted along the East Coast for many years, but until recently has been uncommon. It is slightly larger than a quarter, about one inch in diameter. The sting of this jellyfish will send you to the hospital, not just people that are especially sensitive, but anyone. It is found in bays and inlets where it clings to seagrasses, it is not normally found in the open ocean. Your best protection against jellyfish stings is an exposure suit; even a lycra skin is thick enough to block the microscopic stingers.

  • Clinging Jellyfish Fact Sheet

Ponquogue Bridge
Shinnecock inlet in the background.

There are two actual Ponquoque bridges, the new one and the old one. You crossed the new bridge to get to the former Foster Road. The old bridge is where you will probably dive, although nothing is stopping you from diving the new bridge. Don't get caught in the channel between the two bridges, however, because it is considered a channel and it is illegal to dive in a channel in the town of Southampton. With that in mind, there is usually good parking at the bridge, but you will have to do some walking in order to get into the water.

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