If you swim in the Chesapeake Bay, you may encounter more sea nettles than in recent years. The sea nettle can cause a painful sting when encountered. Sea nettles were very plentiful in the 60s and 70s and were so thick at one time that most swimming ceased from early July until the water cooled in early September.
This year bay temperatures are warmer than usual resulting in more sea nettles which thrive in warm water. The surface temperature on some of the creeks on the Eastern Shore is approximately 90 degrees. Sea nettles can also appear on the seaside, although it is rare.
Sea nettles do provide ecological benefits to the bay. They consume large amounts plankton preventing it from growing too thick and smothering oyster beds and causing other damage.
According to an experimental map by NOAA the thickest concentration of sea nettles is currently in the western part of the bay. According to the map the chances of encountering a sea nettle are 80 to 100% on the western shore. On the Eastern Shore, the chance of encountering a sea nettle is between 50 and 70% which is higher than it has been in many years.
If you encounter a sea nettle, one traditional remedy is to apply meat tenderizer to the sting area. Also baking soda may neutralize the effects of the sting. While sea nettle stinger contain a small amount of poison, it is not enough to cause any harm other than irritation of the skin. Most sea nettle stings disappear within about 30 minutes.
The best way to avoid being stung is to keep your eyes open on the water around you and avoid contact.