Swarms of jellyfish, or sea nettles, have returned in full force to the Chesapeake Bay, according to reports from local environmentalists.
The migration of jellyfish throughout the Chesapeake Bay can be seen in a real-time forecasting chart hosted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
This season is expected to spike, but so far the jellyfish projections are on par with previous years, according to Sandy Point State Park Ranger Kenny Hartman.
Hartman said the state park which doubles as a popular beach, has just started getting reports and sightings of jellyfish.
"It's not bad right now, but it will get worse as the salinity in the water gets higher, especially because of the lack of rain," Hartman said.
When it rains, the salt content in the water is lowered, which slows the migration and prevalence of jellyfish. But without rain, the jellyfish are free to roam wherever they find high levels of salt in the water.
Riverkeeper for the West and Rhode Rivers Chris Trumbauer said this year is no different from others, so far.
"I have recently seen sea nettles in the West and Rhode, as well as the mouth of the Severn," Trumbauer said. "I think they are getting extra attention this year, since there were (almost) none in the area last summer."
Trumbauer advised swimmers and beach joggers to be aware of their surroundings. He also reminded them that the old folk remedies for jellyfish stings of vinegar and urine aren't likely to work.