Four O cers Promoted

Photo courtesy Stafford Police

STAFFORD – Mayor Myhre and Township Council would like to congratulate Lt. John Morrin, Lt. Russel Griffi n, Sgt. Erik Smithman and Sgt. David McVey as they all achieved promotions during the recent Township Council Meeting.

Bayview Park Storywalk

SURF CITY – Take a leisurely family stroll and enjoy a whimsical children’s tale during the Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch’s week-long Storywalk at Bayview Park, 6805 Long Beach Boulevard, Brant Beach, starting 11 a.m. August 7.

Bring the children for a walk along the waterside and share the enjoyment of “If Only…,” Mies Van Hout’s engagingly written, colorfully illustrated tale of tiny, fas- cinating garden creatures, all exploring the often-felt desire to become someone else. Everyone is welcome to take part throughout the week. The event will conclude at 11 a.m. August 14.

The Bayview Park Storywalk is free and open to the public. No registration is required. For more information, visit the OCL Long Beach Island Branch, 217 South Central Avenue, Surf City, or call 609-494-2480.

PJ Party In e Park

SURF CITY – Time for more family fun under the setting summer sun! Join the Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch for the next Pajama Party in the Park, Bayview Park, 6805 Long Beach Boulevard, Brant Beach, 7 p.m. August 9.

Gather around our Children’s Librarian for an all-ages story time, and create a crafted item as a keepsake. Actual PJs are not required, but they’re fun!

The Pajama Party in the Park is free and open to the public. No registration is required. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held in the OCL Long Beach Island Branch, 217 South Central Avenue, Surf City.

See details at theoceancountylibrary.org/ events or call 609-494-2480.

Fire Pit Friday

LONG BEACH – Long Beach Township is hosting Fire Pit Fridays at the 68th St. Beach from 7 to 9 p.m. The following bands will be performing on the Berkshire Hathaway – Zach Shore Stage:

August 11 - Eaglemania

August 18 - Chris Fritz & The Impulsives

August 25 - Frontiers – Journey Tribute

Band September 1 - Sneak Attack

Food and soft drinks sold each week by RAD Kitchen/Philly Pretzel and Daddy’O’s or Manafi rkin will be selling alcoholic beverages to those 21 and over with ID. You may also bring your own food and coolers.

Jellyfish:

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“Fortunately, populations of clinging jellyfish and their distribution have been largely stable since the species was first confirmed in New Jersey in 2016,” Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette said. “However, clinging jellyfish pack such a potentially powerful sting that it is important for the public to be vigilant and take precautions when recreating in coastal bays and rivers where they are found.”

Clinging jellyfish are a non-native species that originated from the Pacific Ocean. Officials said they likely came to the area in ballast water from ships or being attached to ships’ hulls, as early as the late 1800s in New England.

Today, they can be found from Maine to New Jersey. Clinging jellyfish prefer shallow, slow-moving estuarine waters, where they attach themselves to algae or marine vegetation such as eel grass.

In New Jersey, environmental officials have found clinging jellyfish in several locations across shore towns. A huge population can be found in the Metedeconk River, close to areas along Princeton Avenue in Brick Township as well as on the opposite side of the river alongside residential properties off Mantoloking Road.

According to the NJDEP Jellyfish map, clinging jellyfish have also been found in the Barnegat Bay near Lavallette and Island Beach State Park.

In the Shrewsbury River, clinging jellyfish can be found in Sea Bright and Monmouth Beach. Officials have even documented them as far south as North Wildwood and the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge.

What other jellyfish can you run into at the Jersey Shore?

Although it is unlikely for clinging jellyfish to be found in ocean waters or beaches in New Jersey, there are several types species that do inhabit our coast.

The most common jellyfish beachgoers can encounter are moon jellies (Aurelia aurita), which look like a round disk-shaped pad that may be frequently seen washed up on beaches. Even though they are not harmful, they can produce some discomfort if you are stung.

Many other jellyfish you can come across at the shore are not harmful. However, just like clinging jellyfish found on the bayside, there are harmful jellyfish found in oceans.

Over the years, the Portuguese mano-war (Physalia physalis) has been spotted along the Jersey Shore. Although uncommon, they are harmful and sometimes fatal.

In 2018, it was reported a Portuguese man-o-war washed up on the shores in Cape May County. There was also one that washed on in Beach Haven in 2017. If you plan on going for a swim, know that most jellyfish are found from June to September/October.

“Jellyfish appearance and abundance is dependent on water temperature and prey density; most species prefer warmer water. Storms and offshore wind and water currents (eddies branching off of the Gulf Stream) can bring uncommon species close to shore,” DEP Research Scientist Joseph Bilinski said. “Subtropical species such as Portuguese man-o-war end up on our shores when warm currents come toward our coast.”

What do you do if you get stung?

Bilinski recommends that the affected area be lightly scraped with a plastic card or rubbed with a towel, then rinsed with sea water and not fresh water.

“(Freshwater) will cause the nematocysts or stinging cells to rupture and cause more discomfort,” Bilinski said. “If pain persists or is severe, the individual should seek immediate medical attention.”

To learn more about jellyfish in New Jersey waters, NJDEP has a general NJ Jellyfish Information webpage at storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/28df946 61dd245f792e1b79170100975. To learn more about clinging jellyfish, visit nj.gov/dep/docs/clinging-jellyfish-factsheet.pdf.