BBC RADIO 4

Today Weekdays 6-9am and Saturdays 7-9am

Page last updated at 08:52 GMT, Saturday, 8 September 2012 09:52 UK

Man-of-war 'threat' to southern shores

Advertisement

Portuguese man-of-wars have been washing up on beaches off the coast of Cornwall. They have been causing considerable concern because they can deliver a very nasty sting, which can sometimes be lethal.

"Nobody has been killed by Portuguese man of war stings in the UK so far," the Marine Conservation Society's Dr Peter Richardson told the Today programme.

If left on the skin, he explained, they have the potential to become toxic. The sea animals have also been reported in Ireland, Cornwall, and south Wales.


Get in touch with Today via email , Twitter or Facebook or text us on 84844.

SEE ALSO

Americas Africa Europe Middle East South Asia Asia Pacific