Spain Beach Warning As Swimmers Attacked By Biting Fish
Spain News
Published: 05 September 2023 14:42 CET
In a surprising turn of events, the tranquil beaches of Alicante, Spain, have witnessed a surge in alarming fish attacks on swimmers, leaving tourists with painful bite wounds and a sense of unease. The unexpected behaviour of these "obladas," also known as saddled seabream (Oblada Melanura), has prompted experts to explore the potential link between climate change and the newfound aggressiveness of these typically peaceful fish.
The incidents began making headlines last month when marine specialists expressed their surprise at reports of fish biting people in the sea near the Es Trenc area of Mallorca. Although they initially refrained from offering definitive opinions due to a lack of information, the incidents soon garnered attention as more swimmers fell victim to these fish attacks.
One local resident shared her experience of being bitten twice, mirroring similar encounters by her sister. "We noticed some fish were brushing against us, and then one bit me," she explained. While the wounds were relatively small, they needed the attention of lifeguards, who found themselves dealing with an astonishing fifteen cases in a single day.
Strangely reminiscent of a situation two decades ago, reports from the Bulletin newspaper highlighted increasing complaints from beachgoers along the eastern coast of Mallorca, citing bites and stings from fish. This alarming trend, observed from the end of July 2003 and into August of the same year, was attributed to the presence of unfamiliar fish species in shallower waters.
These fish were not only stinging but also biting bathers, sometimes causing open wounds.
The prevailing theories at the time linked these occurrences to heatwaves and their impact on Mediterranean waters. While a mere sting might not have provoked such concern among swimmers, the emergence of open wounds led to widespread alarm. Now, the phenomenon has extended to the Spanish mainland.
Beachgoers living in or visiting Spain have been issued warnings about these fish attacks, as swimmers are being attacked by fish, described as "piranha-style," leaving them with bleeding bite wounds and teeth marks. Alicante's beaches have become a hotspot for these unsettling encounters, with more than 15 people requiring first aid treatment daily after being bitten by the "obladas."
The sudden shift in behaviour of these fish, which can grow up to 30cm in length and are typically omnivorous, has left scientists pondering the role of climate change. Rising sea temperatures have been cited as a potential trigger for their newfound aggression. The Climatology Laboratory of the University of Alicante reports sea temperatures ranging between 29 and 30 degrees Celsius, significantly higher than normal.
Locals have observed that the fish are venturing closer to the shore in search of prey and are attracted by certain factors. Reports suggest that they target moles, warts, or small wounds on the skin, particularly on older individuals. The fish draw blood and can leave bite wounds on arms, legs, and backs.
Swimmers are being cautioned to avoid wearing shiny ornaments or jewellery in the sea, as this may attract other fish species such as golfer fish, pomfrets, or bluefish, leading to additional attacks.
A spokesperson from the Department of Marine Species has shed some light on the situation, stating, "This is a fish used to being fed. There may be a high population density, and they do not flee from people, hence they peck at the wounds due to the smell of meat."
As the mystery surrounding these fish attacks deepens, scientists and authorities continue to investigate the role of climate change in altering the behaviour of these once-docile seabream. Tourists and locals alike remain vigilant, taking precautions to enjoy the beautiful Spanish coastline while minimising the risks associated with these unexpected encounters with nature.
Sources:
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/lifestyle/travel/spain-beach-warning-piranha-biting-30864620
https://www.majorcadailybulletin.com/news/local/2023/09/05/116705/fish-attack-warning-issued-for-mallorca-and-now-other-spanish-resorts-first-reports-years-ago.html
Image Credit: TeWeBs, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
