Sea Lice are the larval stage of one or more species of jelly fish, fire coral or other unidentified marine species. They travel up the Gulf Stream, typically from Mother's Day to Father's Day and are a problem in Florida primarily in Palm Beach County as well as the Keys. South Palm Beach County, especially Boca and Delray Beach, is the closest continental land mass to the Gulf Stream and affected by incoming eddies. Consequently the visibility is often over 100 feet and the waves of the Stream are easily visible from shore, sometimes a couple of miles away. The sea lice are worst when there is an on-shore wind, typical of late afternoon when the Everglades are heating up. They are microscopic and are covered with nematocysts (stinging cells) that are triggered by pressure, changes in salinity or even drying. The result is similar to Poison Ivy and can last from a week to months, depending on the individual. They tend to get stuck in bathing suits, pfds, paddling gloves, etc so Speedos and two piece suits are suggested. We are being hit early this year, probably because of the local drought has reduced the typical fresh water runoff. You won't read about these critters in the Florida tourist guides. Thankfully, for the tourists, most folks are not initially reactive. Thus the local water people; especially dive masters and instructors will get nailed while their group of divers from Milwaukee will not even know they are in the water. BTW, there was an article in the Palm Beach Post this morning stating that the increased shark feeding for shark dives may be responsible for the increase in shark attacks in our waters. Cya Bob Denton Delray Beach, FL > what in the world are sea lice (do i really want to know?) > -- > *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Mon Apr 16 2001 - 08:43:27 PDT
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