Dangerous fauna of the mediterranean sea. Dangerous inhabitants of the Mediterranean. diving training

Danger - Sun:

The main source of danger in the Greek seas is .... sun. Do not laugh, hundreds of times more people get sick from sunstroke and overheating than from any other "natural dangers". The Greek thermonuclear sun, especially for the inhabitants of the north who are not used to it, can cause a lot of problems. What to do and how to behave in the heat, and what food to eat you can read. And in addition to this material, I note a few basic rules:

1. Try not to go out in the sun at noon or the next 3-4 hours.
2. Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
3. In addition to sunscreen, don't forget a panama hat, t-shirt and sunglasses. For the latter, try to use quality glasses with 100% UV protection. By the way, in any Greek optics store, you can check for free whether your glasses really protect, as it was written on the label, or if you came across a fake.
4. Keep children out of direct sunlight. Exposure of a child to the sun without protection can lead to serious illnesses in future. Children under the age of 3 are not recommended to be exposed to the sun.
5. Drink plenty of water. The minimum required to maintain a normal water balance in the body is 1.9 liters of water per day with average temperature air 26 degrees, 3 liters - at 32 degrees to 4 liters at 35(and in Greece this is not uncommon). I also recommend reading what you can drink and what you should not.

Danger - marine life

"Most main principle behavior with unknown representatives of the plant, animal and underwater world - do not disturb. They have their own life, in which they can quite stand up for themselves in response to any action regarded as a threat. It is better to enjoy your vacation in an idyll with nature!”

Dangerous inhabitants in the Mediterranean Sea, which can harm a person, are, in any case, much less than in tropical seas. The threat to meet with a shark is so rare that for many years in none of the zones of the Mediterranean Sea, even in its most secluded corners, none of those descending under the water saw a single one (except from the lips of fishermen and reporters of the “yellow press”). However, sometimes even quite harmless-looking animals can be dangerous to humans.
We will not exaggerate this danger, but nevertheless we will try to acquaint you with the problems that may arise when there is too close contact with marine life.
Marine life is of considerable interest to vacationers. It is always very funny to watch them, but do not forget that some underwater inhabitants can cause us very significant harm: injure, bite or inject poison.
Whether you will encounter this scourge during your vacation or not is unknown. In any case, the enemy must be known by sight.

Danger - Sea urchins:

The second place of honor on Greek beaches is occupied by sea ​​urchins. Here they are called - ahinu (αχινού). On the "cultural" beaches, these "hedgehogs" are quite difficult to meet, but it is worth moving outside the "cultivated" zone and they are right there. Meetings with sea ​​urchins with unpleasant consequences for both sides, unfortunately, is not uncommon. The Mediterranean Sea with salty and warm water is simply a paradise for hedgehogs. They often form large clusters on sloping stone surfaces, starting from the very shallow water near the shore. A careless bather, climbing ashore or walking along the rocks along the water's edge, runs the risk of stepping on, or even grabbing a sea urchin with his hand. The author of this material has repeatedly dealt with these creatures and even stepped on them several times. "Pleasure" from this was still something ....

Prevention: In the habitats of hedgehogs, it is best to enter the water in rubber slippers. The approximate cost of swimming shoes is 5-15 € per pair, while the author recommends choosing products with a sole thickness of at least 1 centimeter. If you think that fins on your feet will allow you to boldly step on these "cute little animals", I will disappoint you. I checked it personally - the needles of the sea urchin calmly pierce even the plastic soles of the fins. And let's not even talk about rubber. So, it's better to go around or swim past. By the way, swimming in shallow water, you can catch the “hedgehogs” not only with your foot, but also with other parts of the body.

What to do: the best cure for hedgehogs is vigilance! Before entering the sea in an unfamiliar place, take a closer look, since the water is transparent, the black dots of hedgehogs are clearly visible.

If contact with a hedgehog could not be avoided, most likely, you will have to consult a doctor. Fortunately, first aid in public hospitals is free.

If for some reason you cannot get to the hospital, then: remember - the spines of the hedgehog are very sharp and at the same time fragile. They easily pierce the body and then just as easily break off. It is quite difficult to pull out the debris, and since there is no need to talk about the sterility of the hedgehog spines, the affected area may fester. Sometimes the wound heals, and the broken thorn remains in the body, from where it can come out (or maybe stay in the body forever) after a few years.

• hold your foot in very hot water (but don't overdo it, don't burn yourself!), and then try to pull the needle out.
• Regularly treat the wound with antiseptics and carefully monitor so that suppuration does not begin.

Local recipe - lubricate the damaged area olive oil(read cream or petroleum jelly) and gradually squeeze out the thorns. I checked it myself - it WORKS !!!

Local pharmacies also sell special tweezers for pulling needles from sea urchins, as well as a special ointment. By the way, I recommend using it for any contacts with biting or prickly inhabitants of the sea, and it also helps against mosquito and mosquito bites.

Danger -Jellyfish:

In third place in terms of the frequency of "natural problems" created in the Greek seas are jellyfish.
Poisonous jellyfish practically do not come across in the Greek seas (unless they accidentally sail from the Atlantic or the Red Sea), most of those who can catch you sting no more than nettles and the mucus they secrete is harmful only when it gets into the eyes. The meeting with the purple jellyfish is especially unpleasant - the thunderstorm of the Adriatic bears the name Pelagije nocticulice. When you see a purple back, it is better to go around the jellyfish.
Touching the jellyfish's tentacles causes a burn that will pass in a few days or weeks.

Prevention: Avoiding drifting wire cutters is next to impossible. But it is known for certain that they wash ashore after a storm. SafeSea, a special Israeli anti-jellyfish lotion that acts as a mosquito repellent, or its analogue, Bites Reliever, will help to avoid accidental contact.

How to be: Touching the tentacles of a jellyfish causes a burn that looks like a nettle.

First you need to remove the remnants of the tentacles from the skin, do not wash the damaged area with water - neither salty nor fresh. Sea water revitalizes withered stinging cells, and when fresh water hits them, they will burst, exuding poison abundantly. The affected area can be smeared with food vinegar, alcohol, or Bites Reliever, which is specially said goodbye to the "pencil" with ammonium. In the future, lubricate the affected area with a special Fusidin ointment (antibiotic). In severe cases, you may need an injection of an anesthetic.

Danger - Octopuses:

It is only in the movies that huge octopuses attack people and sink ships. In fact, specimens more than 3 meters long and weighing more than 30 kg never come across in the Mediterranean Sea. The real cephalopods that you can come across are undersized up to 30 cm long and weighing up to 2 kilograms. At the same time they never do not attack people and generally carefully hide from them. In case of an accidental meeting, such a “giant” (if he could not escape) will only release an ink cloud and wave his tentacles menacingly - beware, they say!

Why is an octopus dangerous for humans?

The worst thing about a cephalopod is its appearance. By nature, he is very timid and, when a diver or scuba diver approaches, he usually hides under the rocks. True, cases of an octopus attack on a person are extremely rare. This can happen to a diver when inspecting the hold or cabin of a sunken ship, where cephalopod. He has nowhere to go and he, defending himself, involuntarily attacks a person. Therefore, inexperienced divers in places where octopuses are found should avoid grottoes and underwater caves, which usually serve as shelter for animals. There is a danger, albeit a small one, that a diver entering such a cave will be caught by an octopus if its tentacles can hold onto the smooth surface of the wetsuit. Once in a similar situation, the scuba diver should not panic - he has a knife, and this is a fairly reliable weapon in case of an octopus attack. You should not start the fight by cutting off the tentacles. For the quickest release from the "embrace" of an octopus, diving experts recommend striking at its brain, located between the eyes. Until the nerve center is destroyed, the suckers and tentacles of the octopus will act, no matter what wounds are inflicted on it.

A more real danger is the poison of the octopus. The mouth of the octopus is equipped with two powerful chitinous jaws, shaped like a parrot's beak. With them, the cephalopod mollusk bites its prey, holding it with suction cups. In this case, the poison of the salivary glands from the pharynx and mouth enters the wound. Beak bite leaves little damage, but because saliva prevents blood from clotting, bleeding can be quite prolonged. The severity of the lesion depends on the species of octopus and, apparently, on its size. The first signs of poisoning: stabbing pain and burning at the site of the bite. Subsequently, these sensations spread to the entire limb. The tissues around the wound swell. When the poison is absorbed into the blood, breathing becomes difficult, the voice weakens, and the body temperature rises. As a rule, recovery occurs in 3-4 weeks.

How to be: When bitten, call a doctor, and before he arrives, just try to urinate at the site of the bite. Don't laugh - the time-honoured remedy is very effective, well, at least it will help you avoid more serious consequences.

Video Russian tourists communicate with octopuses:

Hazards: Fish:

Girls, that is, fish, are different - yellow, white, red. Of the fish in the seas surrounding Greece, only the stingray ( catfish) which, although not particularly poisonous, is always ready to strike with a spiked tail - a laceration with stuck needles and slight poisoning are provided. The difficulty is that often the stingray burrows into the sand and is easily mistaken for an ordinary pebble. Well, Scorpio, or sea ruff, is not at all pleasant, a meeting with which can put you down for several days. hospital bed.. But the following fish, although they are much less common, can bring much more problems.

Sea dragons (Trachinus)

- bottom fish with an elongated body, no more than 45 cm long. They belong to the Trachinidae family and are one of the most poisonous fish temperate zone. They live mainly in bays and bays with a flat sandy or muddy bottom and usually burrow into soft ground so that only the upper part of the head, mouth, eyes and spines of the dorsal fin are visible. The lower jaw is longer than the upper, the mouth with small conical teeth is directed obliquely upwards. Eyes on the top of the head. These fish have two dorsal fins: the first, short, of 5-7 spines, the second dorsal and anal are long, with 21-24 rays each. When the dragon lies half-buried in the ground, this black fin is clearly visible at a considerable distance. If the fish is irritated, the gill covers spread open, the fin rises and turns around, which serves as a warning to the predator. The little dragon can instantly jump out of its hiding place and, with unmistakable accuracy, plunge the poisoned spike of the gill cover into the intended object.
The long sharp spines of the gill covers and the first dorsal fin are covered with skin, only their tips protrude. The spines have deep furrows. In these furrows and at the base of the spines are poisonous glands. There is no duct for poison. Probably, when pricked with a spike, the glandular cells are torn, the poison is released and is introduced into the wound along the grooves, like a syringe needle. Dragon venom is very strong. Like the venom of some snakes, it acts as a neurotoxin and a hemotoxin. When stabbed with a poisonous thorn, an excruciating, sharp, burning, or stabbing pain occurs that, without treatment, lasts for several hours or even a whole day. The affected limb becomes inflamed and severely swollen. Other symptoms included loss of consciousness, palpitations, slow heart rate, fever, headaches, delirium, severe vomiting, convulsions, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, death may occur. Morphine usually does not give relief.
Due to their hidden lifestyle, aggressiveness and highly developed poisonous apparatus, dragons are very dangerous for everyone who swims near the coast, dives or wanders barefoot in shallow water, for fishermen and amateur fishermen.
Never, under any circumstances, pick up a live dragon. Even a dead dragon must be handled very carefully so as not to be pricked by its thorn, which can inflict dangerous wounds.

By the way, according to local residents, the dragon may also be in the sand far from the coast. They get there in this way: seagulls catch them from the water, eat tasty and safe parts, throw the rest where they have to. Even dead fish, as mentioned above, remain poisonous for several more days.

How to be: If you receive a poisonous injection, you should seek professional help immediately. medical care. It is recommended to inject a few drops of a 5% potassium permanganate solution into the wound with a syringe to destroy the poison. This gives immediate pain relief and prevents inflammation. If this was not done immediately and inflammation began, cooling lotions or hot poultices should be applied. It may take several months for a complete cure. The injured part of the body must be immersed in a very hot water, which can only be endured, and in water dissolve some oxidizing substance, for example, potassium permanganate, which neutralizes the poison. In addition, the victim is prescribed cardiac analeptics and adrenaline with cortisone.

Danger - environmental pollution:

And finally, environmental pollution. Although Greek beaches are considered to be some of the cleanest in the world, this is not the case for all beaches. Many beaches - especially within the Athens metropolis, as well as near cities and towns, can be dangerous due to the presence of debris in the sand, broken glass and all sorts of sharp and cutting objects. If you or your loved ones are “unfortunate” to cut your leg or other part of your body on the beach with glass, first make sure that there is no glass or other foreign object in the wound.
If not, then the wound must be treated: rinse with water, hydrogen peroxide (alcohol or alcohol-containing liquid), lubricate with iodine (in Greece it is called "Betadine") and bandage.
If you're really worried, go to the hospital. Maybe the doctors decide what needs to be stitched.

Danger -Snakes:

On land, there are fewer dangers. There is only one in the country poisonous species snakes (viper, "fidi" in Greek), whose bites are easily parried with antivenin. Local scorpions ("scorpions") are nocturnal and rarely catch the eye of a tourist, but they like to sit on the dry stone walls of houses and rocks, where the daytime heat lasts for a long time. When walking on rough terrain with an abundance of bushes, you should wear boots with socks and long trousers and in no case stick your hands into cracks and holes.

Danger - Insects:

In some mountain forest areas there are a lot of ticks, so here measures of protection against them, however, as well as from any other blood-sucking insects, will not be superfluous at all. AT recent times there is evidence of infection of local ticks with Lyme disease, but due to the small number of tourists in the interior of the country, there are still no reliable statistics on this.

Local mosquitoes ("Kunupia", "Kunupya") do not carry malaria, and traditional repellents are enough to protect against them - in most cases, window screens are not even required. However, when traveling through Aetolia, Acarnania, Thesprotia, western regions Elis and Attica should choose places to stay with nets on windows and even doors. The more dangerous Asian mosquito (Aedes albopictus), which is a distributor of several viruses at once, lives in some mountainous areas in the north and west of the country. Therefore, here, in addition to denser clothing and nets on the windows, it is necessary to provide for the presence of repellents. Sand fleas, active at night on many beaches, can also spread leishmaniasis and other dangerous infections, but due to the small number of sandy beaches themselves, this danger is not very relevant (however, repellents are quite effective against them too).

Much more trouble is usually caused by bees and especially by wasps, which are quite active from August to October. They curl around tables and glasses with liquid, climb into the eyes, hide under motorcycle helmets, and in general are very annoying. There is no universally recognized means of protection against these insects, but the Greeks themselves quite effectively use the smoke of burning coffee beans or simply dried coffee grounds. To relieve pain from bites, it is better to use aspivenin sold in any local pharmacy.

Danger - Flora:

There are practically no poisonous plants on the territory of the country, except for wild figs, the "milk" of which can cause moderate skin damage (countered with lemon juice, followed by rubbing olive oil). But there are quite a few sources of allergens, starting with mountain pine (April-May) and ending with numerous cereals (from April to June). Local pharmacies carry a wide variety of antihistamines, but it's best to have a certain supply with you (especially if you don't know local names drugs).

Leg cramped Pinch your arm or leg as hard as you can, very sharply and firmly on the site of the spasm thumb. Try straightening your cramped leg with your hands. Take a deep breath in and out a few times to improve circulation.

How to avoid. Do not swim for a long time in cold water. Having warmed up under the sun, do not immediately dive into the water: a sharp temperature drop provokes convulsions.

choked Most often, children involuntarily swallow water. Bend the baby over your knee so that the head is lower than the buttocks, tap on the back so that he clears his throat. If the child has lost a lot of strength, put him on his side.

How to avoid. Make sure the child stays on the surface of the water.

Sunstroke If a person suddenly felt unwell, a headache, lethargy appeared, it became difficult to breathe - he overheated in the sun. The victim must be taken to the shade, covered with a wet towel or put a cool compress on his head, create a stream of air (fan with a hat or newspaper). Then call an ambulance.

How to avoid. Rest in the shade of a tree or a beach umbrella, wear a hat, drink water without gas. Most often, sunstroke affects babies under one year old, people with cardiovascular and endocrine diseases, hypertensive patients and those who are overweight.

Poisoning The first signs are weakness and nausea, headache, diarrhea. It is necessary to wash the stomach by drinking 2-3 liters of boiled water immediately in quick sips. Then you need to induce vomiting. And so three or four times. If possible, consult with your doctor. Calcium gluconate will strengthen the gastric mucosa and reduce the allergic reaction (usually the drug is taken 3 times a day).

How to avoid. Pay attention to the expiration date of the product and the appearance of the institution where you buy food.

Cut yourself with glass This is the most common injury among sea lovers. Wash the cut clean water, if you have vodka, cologne on hand, you can treat the wound with them. Then apply a clean bandage. To do this, it is better to have a bandage or at least a clean handkerchief with you.

How to avoid. Choose the "right" beach. If there is garbage and broken bottles on the shore, then the same will be in the water. In unsafe places, do not go barefoot and swim in special rubber slippers.

Banana riding This marine entertainment often becomes a source of injury. Sometimes "bananas" turn over, some "drivers" do it on purpose - without warning. On the beach, as a rule, they ride catamarans, jet skis, boats, etc. at the same time - collisions happen. Victims of water sports with fractures and wounds are often brought to resort hospitals.

How to avoid. Do not neglect the life jacket, fasten it carefully. If you are afraid of depth, then this entertainment is not for you.

Child safety rules
1. Never leave a child alone in the water.

2. Locate a resting place in the shade.

3. Buy your baby bright clothes, panama. In case of danger, you will quickly find your child.

4. Do not leave your child in a wet bathing suit so as not to catch a cold.

5. Inflatable rings are best to have with different inflatable sections - if one deflates, the others will keep the child afloat.

A little about medical care and rescue services in Greece.

The emergency number is 112 or 199.
Remember, in Greece there is no special rescue service, its functions are performed by local firefighters. Often they do not know or do not know how to provide first aid, as last years almost everyone was recruited into this service. In any case, call 199 (112) and try to report (in English or Greek) that something has happened to you. If something happens, they will call an ambulance on their own.

ABEC Ambulance (ΕΚΑΒ)
fire department service - service salvation
Coast security
roadside assistance
Air Police
Police - help
Service for the fight against drug addiction
forest guard
Life line (such as helpline) - SOS
Help desk for hospitals, clinics, doctors, and pharmacies
tourist police
SOS Doctors (Athens)
roadside assistance
Roadside assistance ΕΛΠΑ
Roadside Assistance Express Service
Hellas Service roadside assistance
Interamerican roadside assistance

Perhaps this phrasebook will help you find a common language with a doctor:

Topic "At the Doctor's"
Στο γιατρό

I don't feel well	est'Anume Ashima	Αισθάνομαι άσχημα
I am sick	Yme Arostos (Arosty)	Είμαι άρρωστος (άρρωστη)
I need to go to the doctor	prep on pao is worth	Πρέπει να πάω στο γιατρό
Please give me the doctor's phone number or address	parakalO, d'Oste mutotylEfono and eydyeftynsi tou yatra	Παρακαλώ, δώστε μου το τηλέφωνο ή τη διεύθυνση του γιατρού
Please call a doctor (ambulance)	fonAkste, parakalO, tonyatrO (toastEnoforo)	Φωνάξτε, παρακαλώ, τον γιατρό (το ασθενοφόρο)
Invite the doctor home	ZITYste na Erty oyatros one hundred sleeping	Ζητήστε να έρθει ο γιατρός
Where can I find a doctor who speaks Ukrainian?	pu na vro toyatro pu milai Ukrainian	Πού να βρω το γιατρό που μιλάει ουκρανικά;
Which doctor should I contact?	Se pyo yatro prepi on pao	Σε πιο γιατρό πρέπει να πάω;
Can I go to the doctor?	boro on bo standarO	Μπορώ να μπω στο γιατρό;
Please wait a little	PerimEnete ligAki, paracalO	Περιμένετε λιγάκι,παρακαλώ
Come into the office	peer mesa	Περάστε μέσα
What are you complaining about?	apo you ipoferete	Από τι υποφέρετε;
Tell me exactly where your pain is concentrated?	you sas ponai	Τι σας πονάει;
I feel bad, I'm freezing	est'Anome Ashima, est'Anome rigos	Αισθάνομαι άσχημα, αισθάνομαι ρίγος
What is your temperature?	you are a pirate Oh Ehete	Τι πυρετό έχετε;
My temperature is high	Echo Pirate	Έχω πυρετό
I feel dizzy	hallIzome	Ζαλίζομαι
My ____ hurts...	me ponai...	Με πονάει .
head throat heart stomach	t okefAli mu olemOs ikardya tostomAhi	το κεφάλι μου ο λαιμός η καρδιά το στομάχι
I have a (severe) cough	Echo (dynato) viha	"Έχω (δυνατό) βήχα
I got food poisoning	Epatya dylityrIasi	Έπαθα δηλητηρίαση
I'm sick	mu erhete emetos	Μου έρχεται εμετός
Have you been sick for a long time?	APO KERO Iste Arostos	Από καιρό είστε άρρωστος;
When did you feel unwell?	pote estant'ykate Ashima	Πότε αισθανθήκατε άσχημα;
Tonight, Last night a week ago	simera tynIhta htEs tovrAdy prin myavd'omAdya	Σήμερα Τη νύχτα Χτες το βράδυ Πριν μια βδομάδα
Have you turned white recently?	prosfata Ihate kapya arOstya	Πρόσφατα είχατε κάποια αρρώστια;

• Phones: first aid, emergency services, road assistance
• Embassies and consulates of countries former USSR in Greece

Every year in the world there are accidents with tourists on vacation. Wrong behavior on the water, abuse of alcoholic beverages, ignorance of elementary safety standards leads to disastrous consequences.

popular with Russian tourists is and exotic vacation where you can get acquainted with the diverse animal world warm seas. For example, in Egypt, as an excursion, it was proposed to go scuba diving in the open sea, where vacationers could take pictures of beautiful fish and touch them with their hands. However, no one warned that almost half of them are poisonous and pose a danger to humans up to death.

Due to the deteriorating environmental situation around the world, large predators in search of prey, they migrate to places that are unusual for their habitat, and swim close to the coast. For example, in 2011, a record number of shark attacks on people around the world were recorded. In Primorye, where sharks have never swam to the shore before and did not show aggression, there have been several such cases. Also in 2015, sharks attacked tourists at the most popular resorts in Egypt. Therefore, before traveling sea ​​vacation it's important to know simple rules safety when swimming in the sea.

Basic safety rules at sea

1. Before going on a sea holiday, study the inhabitants that pose a danger to humans.
2. While in the water, do not touch the marine life with your hands.
3. Do not swim in the sea at night or at dawn, or alone.
4. Avoid swimming in poor visibility and murky water.
5. Carefully look under your feet when entering the sea.
6. Wear special shoes near coral reefs.
7. It is not recommended to swim during a strong wind and after a storm, as many jellyfish wash ashore.
8. Choose low-key swimwear and swim trunks to avoid attracting the attention of sharks and other dangerous fish.
9. Do not swim further than 10 meters from the shore.
10. Pay attention to the badges and flags on the beach. The color of the flag can signal danger.

Let us analyze in more detail the main marine inhabitants that pose a danger to humans.

Jellyfish

Jellyfish have special stinging cells with poison on their bodies, which can cause severe burns. As a rule, they are in a fringe that hangs under the dome. Many jellyfish living in the Russian seas are absolutely harmless, and touching them will hardly cause a burn.

Very often you can observe how children play with jellyfish, throw them at each other. However, among a large number of harmless jellyfish, a dangerous jellyfish that accidentally swam after a strong wind or storm can be caught. Therefore, it is worthwhile to prepare your family members in advance for the fact that you cannot take jellyfish in your hands.

Jellyfish habitat: warm waters of the Mediterranean, Aegean, Black, Caspian, Azov, Red Seas, Indian Ocean, Amur Bay (Vladivostok).

Especially dangerous jellyfish:

Tunisia (Mediterranean Sea) - black jellyfish, Canary Islands- portuguese ship

The coast of the Black, Caspian and Azov seas - jellyfish cornerot

Precautionary measures:

• plan ahead and choose safe seasons (for example, during the rainy season in Asian countries, the number of jellyfish near the coast increases, August and September is the season of jellyfish in Tunisia),
• do not swim in the sea immediately after the storm, do not touch the jellyfish with your hands.

In case of defeat:

• do not wash the wound (burn site) with sea or fresh water- this may lead to more widespread poison.
• It is necessary to lubricate the skin with vinegar solution or alcohol, remove the remnants of the jellyfish from the skin, treat the wound with a wound healing ointment, and also take antihistamines.

sea ​​urchins

Sea urchins can be found in the warm sea on a sandy bottom, on stones, sheer cliffs in the sea or on coral reefs. They often form large concentrations on sloping rocky surfaces near the shore, can be found on metal stairs when descending into the water, grow on piers and bridges. Unlike other inhabitants of the sea, hedgehog needles do not contain poison. However, his injection is very painful and can take quite a long time. There is also a high risk of wound suppuration or tightening with the remaining needles inside.

Sea urchin habitat: warm waters of the Mediterranean, Aegean, Red Seas, Amur Bay (Vladivostok), Indian Ocean.

Particularly dangerous:

Sea urchin diadem , upon contact with which paralysis may occur.

Precautionary measures:

• be careful when entering the water, where there are accumulations of stones,
• Do not swim in muddy water or at night.

In case of defeat:

• If the needle of the sea urchin has got into the leg, then it is necessary to contact a medical facility as soon as possible.
• If this is not nearby, then you can try to remove the needle yourself, after holding the affected area in hot water and treating it with alcohol.
• In Greece, the spines of a sea urchin are pulled out as follows: they lubricate the wound with olive oil and squeeze out the spines.

Octopuses

The word "octopus" or "octopus" has been a metaphor for almost 200 years, denoting something dangerous and frightening. AT fiction at times, the case of an attack by huge three-meter octopuses on people was described. In fact, there are only a few really confirmed such cases.

The huge octopuses described in the novels of Victor Hugo live at great depths and do not attack people themselves, but rather hide from them. Meetings with such octopuses of divers in the holds of sunken ships or in underwater caves are known. Therefore, if you decide to scuba dive, avoid such places.

Small octopuses that live in the Red or Mediterranean Sea, as well as in Indian Ocean, are dangerous only if you take a marine animal in your hands. The octopus has jaws similar to the beak of a parrot, which, when bitten, release poison that can cause paralysis and suffocation.

Octopus Habitat: Mediterranean, Aegean, Red Sea, Amur Bay (Vladivostok), Indian Ocean.

Particularly dangerous:

blue ringed octopus - lives in Japan and Australia and causes severe paralysis of the whole body.

Precautionary measures:

• do not pick up octopuses,
• do not swim in underwater caves and grottoes.
• If you are scuba diving, then be sure to have a sharp knife with you so that in case of an attack by an octopus, you can cut its dexterous tentacles.

In case of defeat: since the bite of an octopus can cause paralysis and suffocation, you need to urgently call for help and call an ambulance. Experienced fishermen recommend urinating on the site of the bite, so the poison can be neutralized.

sharks

Until recently, the Russian seas were considered practically safe in terms of the likelihood of shark attacks on people. However, in 2011, white sharks began to attack divers near Vladivostok, 10 meters from the shore. In 2016, as well as in May 2017, sharks dangerous to humans were also seen in these areas.

Shark Habitat: The Black, Azov and Caspian Seas are considered the safest due to desalinated water and pollution. Mediterranean Sea(resorts of Greece, Turkey, Italy, Croatia, Cyprus, France) - over the past 100 years, 21 cases of attacks from fatal. The most likely inhabitants are the tiger shark, mako shark, hammerhead shark and gray reef shark.

Red Sea (Egypt, Israel): about 30 species of sharks live, some of them come close to the shore. Attacks by especially dangerous white and tiger sharks are possible.

Indian Ocean: most of the attacks were registered near the coast of Australia and Africa, South Africa (Cosi Bay). Dangerous to humans like gray, tiger and great white sharks live here.

Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean: beaches near California, Florida and Hawaii are considered the most dangerous with the largest number sharks

Particularly dangerous:

Big White shark (cannibal shark) - one of the large and dangerous predators, reaches five meters in length. It lives in all seas and oceans, including Primorye and Sakhalin.

Mako shark (grey-blue shark) - the fastest and most aggressive shark in the world. Lives in almost all seas, including the eastern region of our country in summer period(except for Black, Azov and Caspian). Numerous cases of attacks by this shark on people standing on the shore or on the pier have been recorded.

Blue shark (blue shark) - Few cases of attacks on people are known. It lives in all seas and oceans, including Kamchatka.

Tiger shark - one of the most dangerous species of sharks for humans. In 2011, 169 cases of attacks by this shark on people were registered, 29 of which were fatal. It lives in tropical and subtropical waters (Red Sea, India, Australia, North and South America).

Precautionary measures: The main reason for shark attacks on people is the shark's poor eyesight, it mistakes a floundering person for a fish. Often vacationers themselves provoke a shark and swim closer to it. For tourists, they even came up with such dangerous entertainment as swimming with sharks. Those who choose this way of “resting” forget that sharks are predators, and they can react to bright swimwear, jewelry, as well as fresh wounds or cuts on the body, as they can feel blood at great distances.

Do not swim alone, especially near fish schools, fur seals, dolphins. Sharks love loners and most often attack solo divers. For security purposes, modern repellers and repellents have been created as a means of protection against sharks.

In case of meeting and defeat:

• If you are swimming and see a shark in the water, do not tease it, but catch a wave and try to get ashore.
• Sharks even attack a person in a boat (for example, a mako shark), so if you are in a boat and a shark swims at you with the intention of attacking, you need to hit it with an oar on the nose and immediately swim to the shore. This will scare away the shark and buy time.
• Try to overcome panic and fear: the shark feels fear, this can provoke an attack.
• When meeting with a shark, you need to swim away slowly, slowly and without floundering in the water, but you should not pretend to be dead, since this method does not work with sharks.
• Just because a shark just swims by doesn't mean it wants to attack.
• A possible attack by a shark is indicated by the fact that it went straight towards you or describes circles around you.
• As a rule, the shark attacks in one sharp movement, at this moment you can strike back at its nose, eyes and gills.
• The blows must be applied quickly and many times, everything that is in the hands will come in handy. For example, a camera, a mask, fins, a stick, a stone.
• If there is a large stone nearby, you can snuggle up to it. So you reduce the angle of attack of the shark.
• If the shark attacked and swam away, then you need to call for help as soon as possible and get ashore - the predator can return.

Sea fish

The most dangerous and poisonous marine fish live in the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea, where tourists are offered to go scuba diving and watch the beautiful undersea world. However, it is worth remembering that no matter how beautiful the fish are, you cannot touch them.

The most dangerous and poisonous fish of the seas and oceans

Spiny Arotron (relative deadly fish fugue) - secretes a powerful poison — tetrodotoxin, can cause death. Lives in the Red Sea, Indian Ocean.

Lionfish (Lionfish) — This beautiful fish has needles in its fins that emit poison that causes severe pain and paralysis, which can cause death. Found in the Red Sea, Indian Ocean.

Scorpio, sea ​​ruff – injections sea ​​ruff cause very severe pain. It lives in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

Stingray - a stingray thorn that can be stepped on contains poison. A thorn prick is extremely painful and dangerous, it can even cause death. It lives in the Mediterranean Sea, as well as in the Black and Azov.

Foreword

Thinking about this site, I intended to confine myself to one circular panoramas, the photos were added by themselves, then from sea ​​depths creepy and terrible inhabitants of the Mediterranean have surfaced.

Upon closer examination, the monsters turned out to be some kind of third-rate, suitable only for frightening small children with them. In a word, our sea is clearly not up to the Maldives with their abundance of all sorts of poisonous tropical reptiles. Nevertheless, I read what was written and was horrified. It turns out that the gentle and warm Mediterranean Sea is simply teeming with all sorts of creatures ready to cling to the tender, defenseless body of a swimmer, tear out a piece of meat from it, poison it, or, at worst, just sting it painfully.

However, in 15 years of adventure and snorkeling, the biggest trouble that happened to us was hopelessly damaged swimming trunks, on which a frightened octopus pulled out of the water “spit” with ink.

The main principle for anyone who wants to dive into the depths of the sea is simple and unpretentious, like a rake: "If you don't know, don't touch". The more dangerous the living creature and the more trouble it can cause to the bather, the more carelessly it behaves and lets it get closer to itself, naively believing that everyone around is well aware of its bad temper and will not touch it.

If you're going to swim wild stone beaches, then it would be nice to add to the main principle "do not touch anything" special slippers, then no sea urchin is scary.

The holiday package will not be complete if you forget at home sunglasses and sun cream. Glasses must block more than just the visible spectrum solar radiation, but the most important thing is to block ultraviolet radiation to avoid corneal burns. Sunglasses in Cyprus, even in winter, they will not be superfluous. You can save a cream with a protective factor SPF 5, 10, 15 for middle lane Russia, the rainy Baltic or foggy Albion. The Cypriot thermonuclear sun requires reliable protection. If you have not forgotten any of the above, then you will be happy in the form have a nice rest and good memories.

Seaweed can be a source of discomfort. Being a lover of snorkeling and flippers in the crystal clear waters of Protaras, a couple of times I got out onto the steep stone shore, I sat down on soft algae growing in the surf to take off my flippers. Consequences made me remember old advice: "to make the bust magnificent, put it in the beehive." A beehive, not a beehive, but there was a very persistent feeling that I had sat in the nettle bushes. The stung place then itched terribly, which added spice to the situation. Probably, in such cases, the use of fenistil-gel, or any other allergy cream, can be recommended.

Unfortunately, I don’t have a camera for shooting underwater, so I had to be content with pictures found on the Internet. All the photos indicate which site I stole them from.

Let's start with a thunderstorm of the seas - sharks, rightfully considered the most terrible inhabitant Mediterranean Sea.

Unfortunately or fortunately, the state of affairs at the moment is such that we should not worry about meeting with a dangerous predator, but that the sharks living in the Mediterranean Sea are threatened with imminent and complete extinction. But still, what is the probability of meeting with a shark on the beaches of Cyprus?

Fireworms look very picturesque: their body consists of many segments of a bright orange-red color. In each segment there is a bunch of beautiful and fluffy-looking white bristles. Many worms reach a solid size of 30-40 cm.

Jellyfish off the coast of Cyprus are quite rare, unlike the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Malta, Israel, which is teeming with jellyfish. But this does not mean that contact with jellyfish is completely excluded. The warming of the climate in general and the water in the sea in particular contributes to an increase in the number of these dangerous marine life in the Mediterranean. The jellyfish on the left was photographed off the coast of Spain.

Sea urchins cause problems for vacationers on the beaches of Cyprus, perhaps more than all other dangerous inhabitants of the Mediterranean Sea. Encounters with sea urchins, backfiring on both sides, are unfortunately not uncommon. The Mediterranean Sea with salty and warm water is just a paradise for hedgehogs. They often form large clusters on sloping stone surfaces, starting from the very shallow water near the shore. A careless bather, climbing ashore or walking along the rocks along the water's edge, runs the risk of stepping on, or even grabbing a sea urchin with his hand. But there are no poisonous sea urchins in Cyprus.

Anemones belong to the order of sea cnidarians. Anemones are quite widespread along the entire coast, growing either singly or in colonies. Most of all, they look like harmless grass, only more fleshy. Often anemones settle in whole colonies in the surf, withstanding both the onslaught of waves during high tides and low tides.

Moray eels and their closest relatives eels have a long snake-like body. Here they can be really dangerous if you try to catch or feed them. Moray eels do not attack first, but when alarmed, they can become very aggressive. The mouth, equipped with large, sharp, inward-curving teeth, does not raise any doubt about the danger of such a weapon. Despite the absence of poison, their bites are very painful and do not heal for a long time: infections on the teeth of this cute fish are more than enough.

For those who choose the beaches of Cyprus for their summer holidays, I will say right away: the rabbit fish does not pose any danger. It does not burrow into the sand like a scorpionfish. It does not attack a person, so it is with him in different weight categories, and it is found quite far from the coast. This story is more for those who are going to sea fishing.

Croatia is a very beautiful country. In addition, today, it is considered one of the safestcountries of Europe. And flora, and fauna, and climate, and population, are unlikely to cause trouble to numerous tourists, but still some features of this country should be known before the trip. "Forewarned is forearmed"…

Rest for many of us is the most anticipated and important event the whole year. We are leavingto hot countries or on educational trips in order to forget about everyday worries for a while, change the boring working environment, gain new impressions and strength. Therefore, it is extremely important that the rest is a success and not be overshadowed by troubles and health problems.

Dangerous inhabitants in the Mediterranean that can harm a person,units, in any case, much less than in tropical seas. The threat to meet with a shark is so rare that for many years in none of the zones of the Mediterranean Sea, even in its most secluded corners, none of those descending into the water saw a single one. However, sometimes even quite harmless-looking animals can be dangerous to humans.

We will not exaggerate this danger, but nevertheless we will try to acquaint you with the problems that may arise.with too close contact with marine life.

Marine life is of considerable interest to vacationers. It is always very funny to watch them, but do not forget that someunderwater inhabitants can cause us very significant harm: injure, bite, shock with an electric discharge or inject poison.

Whether you will encounter this scourge during your vacation or not is unknown. In any case, the enemy must be known by sight.So, the danger in Croatia can be for yourepresent some types of fish and sea urchins.

Sharks.

The threat to meet with a shark is so rare that for many years in none of the zones of the Mediterranean Sea, even in its most secluded corners, none of those descending into the water saw a single one. Quantity potentially dangerous sharks for a person in the Mediterranean Sea is practically reduced to rare specimens of the white and blue sharks, and for many years there have been rare cases of their attacks on scuba divers and swimmers off the coast. It is believed that there is not even a chance opportunity to meet a man-eating shark. Accordingly, other inhabitants of a small size remain dangerous.

Electric Stingray.

That's great rarity. But it must be remembered. No way to be disturbed electric rays- their protection system is such that they are able to arrange an electric shock to anyone, leaving him literally lifeless in salt water.

Sea urchins.

Sea urchins - indicators clean water. There are many in Croatia. Sea urchins lie on the bottom and, because they are dark in color, it is difficult to distinguish them from the rocks on the bottom. The problem is that the needles get into the body and break very easily. They are difficult to take out on your own. Upon contact with an ordinary sea urchin, irritation may occur at the site of the wound, which is expressed in swelling of the injured area, redness, and pain. As a rule, the main complications are suppuration, acute pain or inflammation of the skin.

To protect yourself from sea urchins, before traveling to Croatia, you can purchase special slippers (they are also called coral slippers).

In these shoes you will be able to swim and, if necessary, walk on the bottom without fear that you can step on the food. The most comfortable slippers are made of rubber, latex, which fit the foot well and dry quickly. All that is required of you is to follow the usual precautions, to be careful where you put your foot.

Medusa Pelagije nocticulice.

There are almost no jellyfish in Croatia, although the thunderstorm of the Adriatic bears the name Pelagije nocticulice and canmeet. There are regular cycles of population explosions of this type of jellyfish. The raging sea brings thousands of these beautiful jellyfish. Many swimmers remember for a long time the wide redness and scars on the skin left by these beauties as a keepsake. However, such burns do not threaten those descending under water at all: it is enough to close your head and put on a protective suit, gloves and shoes.When you see a purple back, it is better to go around the jellyfish.

Touching the jellyfish's tentacles causes a burn that will pass in a few days or weeks. Remove tentacles from skin and rinsethe wound can be with acetic acid or alcohol. But do not wash the damaged area with water - neither salty nor fresh. Sea water will revive the withered stinging cells, and if fresh water hits them, they will burst, exuding poison profusely.

Sea dragons (Trachinus).

Poisonous fish. No one is safe from meeting them. Their weapons can be hidden in the most unexpected places - on the gills, in the ventral fins, in an elegant fin-fan.

Bottom fish with an elongated body, no more than 45 cm long. They belong to the Trachinidae family and are one of the most poisonous fish in the temperate zone. They live mainly in bays and bays with a flat sandy or muddy bottom and usually burrow into soft ground so that only the upper part of the head, mouth, eyes and spines of the dorsal fin are visible. The lower jaw is longer than the upper, the mouth with small conical teeth is directed obliquely upwards. Eyes on the top of the head. These fish have two dorsal fins: the first, short, of 5-7 spines, the second dorsal and anal are long, with 21-24 rays each. Pelvic fins located on the throat. Scales very small, cycloid, arranged in oblique rows. feed on small fish, worms and crustaceans. The first dorsal fin of the dragon has an intense black color, which differs sharply from the pale yellow and brown tones of the rest of the body of this fish and the surrounding sand. When the dragon lies half-buried in the ground, this black fin is clearly visible at a considerable distance. If the fish is irritated, the gill covers spread open, the fin rises and turns around, which serves as a warning to the predator.

The little dragon can instantly jump out of its hiding place and, with unmistakable accuracy, plunge the poisoned spike of the gill cover into the intended object.

The long sharp spines of the gill covers and the first dorsal fin are covered with skin, only their tips protrude. The spines have deep furrows. In these furrows and at the base of the spines are poisonous glands. There is no duct for poison. Probably, when pricked with a spike, the glandular cells are torn, the poison is released and is introduced into the wound along the grooves, like a syringe needle. Dragon venom is very strong. Like the venom of some snakes, it acts as a neurotoxin and a hemotoxin.When stabbed with a poisonous thorn, an excruciating, sharp, burning, or stabbing pain occurs that, without treatment, lasts for several hours or even a whole day. The affected limb becomes inflamed and severely swollen. Other symptoms included loss of consciousness, palpitations, slow heart rate, fever, headaches, delirium, severe vomiting, convulsions, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, death may occur. Morphine usually does not give relief.

Due to their hidden lifestyle, aggressiveness and highly developed poisonous apparatus, dragons are very dangerous for everyone who swims near the coast, dives or wanders barefoot in shallow water, for fishermen and amateur fishermen. Never, under any circumstances, pick up a live dragon. Even a dead dragon must be handled very carefully so as not to be pricked by its thorn, which can inflict dangerous wounds.

If you receive a poisonous injection, you should immediately seek professional medical help. It is recommended to inject a few drops of a 5% potassium permanganate solution into the wound with a syringe to destroy the poison. This gives immediate pain relief and prevents inflammation. If this was not done immediately and inflammation began, cooling lotions or hot poultices should be applied. It may take several months for a complete cure. The damaged part of the body must be immersed in very hot water, which can only be endured, and some oxidizing substance, for example, potassium permanganate, should be dissolved in the water, which neutralizes the poison. In addition, the victim is prescribed cardiac analeptics and adrenaline with cortisone.

Many of our compatriots like to relax on the Mediterranean coast, in Greece, Italy, Croatia, Spain, Montenegro, Cyprus, Sardinia and other wonderful places where there is a lot of sun, sea, and beautiful landscapes.

But few tourists suspect what troubles I can expect in the waters of this warm, gentle and seemingly safe sea. However, this is far from being the case, and it is quite possible to turn such a long-awaited and pleasant rest into unpleasant painful torment if you do not know what troubles you can encounter in the waters of this sea. After all, a fauna that is very dangerous for humans exists and thrives in it, capable of not only undermining his health, but also in some cases leading to lethal outcome. Dangerous fauna of the Mediterranean , can wait for you on the beach, while diving or fishing. But if a person knows where to expect danger from and who can be its carrier, the chances of getting into an unpleasant situation are significantly reduced.

fireworm

It has a very picturesque appearance, the body of this creature consists of a large number segments having a bright orange-red color. Each segment has a certain number of setae. The length of the fire worm is 30-40 cm. If you disturb the worm, it releases its bristles that dig into your body, and you get a burn similar to a nettle burn.

These creatures are very slow and do not attack anyone first. There are quite a lot of them on the beaches, especially wild ones. Therefore, it is not recommended to walk barefoot on the water, but to wear special rubber slippers. However, of all the dangerous inhabitants of the Mediterranean, they are perhaps the least dangerous, and certainly the slowest. Simply put, when you meet this beautiful creature, do not try to pick it up or step on it with your foot.

Anemones (anemones)

Dangerous inhabitants mediterranean sea are very varied. They can be fish and algae and mollusks and arthropods. Sea anemones are widespread throughout almost the entire Mediterranean coast. They can grow in colonies or singly. Seemingly harmless algae. Often found in the surf, touching them invokes feelings similar to a nettle burn, but this soon passes, however, these algae can deliver you a few unpleasant minutes.

sea ​​urchins

Especially sea urchins create problems for tourists on the beaches of the island of Cyprus. More than all the other dangerous inhabitants of the Mediterranean Sea combined. Often sea urchins form numerous clusters on rocks with inclined planes. Vacationers, going ashore or just wandering over the rocks in the water, often take risks, grabbed a hand or stepped on a hedgehog. Of course, in this case, you can get hurt and the pain can be noticeable, the good thing is that poisonous hedgehogs do not live in Cyprus. It is also good that there are practically no hedgehogs on sandy and pebble beaches, they are found among the stones in the breakwaters.

Jellyfish

In the Mediterranean Sea, the only jellyfish that poses a danger to humans is the “Portuguese man-of-war”. Outwardly, this jellyfish looks like a soap bubble with tentacles. Its swim bladder is brightly colored and looks like the sail of an old Portuguese ship. Burns of this jellyfish can cause severe pain, they are characterized by the appearance of blisters on the skin and swollen lymph nodes. In about 30% of cases, after the burn of this jellyfish, people are hospitalized. The Portuguese boat lives off the coast, Spain, Portugal and France. Many people suffer from defeat Portuguese boat because of your curiosity, swam on close quarters to this jellyfish, a person runs the risk of falling into the reach of its poisonous tentacles. This jellyfish with its venom is capable of killing fish 2-3 times its size.

moray eel

Predatory fish belonging to the eel family. Not much more than 200 species of this predatory fish live in the world's oceans. It has a snake-like body, shaped like the body of an eel. Mediterranean moray eels are not very large, the maximum length of these fish is about 1.5 meters, and their weight is 8-12 kg. But mostly individuals weighing 4-6 kg and about 1 meter long predominate.

So negative attitude to the moray eel happened because of her appearance. A snake-like monster with a mouth studded with sharp teeth is unlikely to cause positive emotions in anyone. There is a lot of talk about the bloodthirstiness of this predator scary rumors, which, however, are 90% untrue.

And although this fish is very voracious and curious, it never attacks people first. It can only attack when defending itself or when it is wounded. For ordinary people resting on the beach, it is not dangerous.

It poses a great danger to diving enthusiasts when they invade its territory and try to get to know it better. Some even try to touch her hand, not knowing anything about the habits of the moray eel. Inexperienced anglers also often suffer from moray teeth. Having caught the fish on the line and not knowing how to properly handle it, they try to take it off the hook, and at this time it can seriously injure the angler. So when they go to catch moray eels, they take a special mallet with them. The caught moray eel is beaten with a mallet on the head and only when the fish is immobilized is it removed from the hook.

sharks

Today, sharks do not pose a particular danger in the Mediterranean Sea, especially off its European coast. However, off the coast of Egypt or Tunisia, you can meet such a dangerous predator as the white shark, reaching a length of up to 6 meters. Just as dangerous is the tiger shark, which is still occasionally found in the waters of the Mediterranean. It is not inferior in size to the white shark, and weighs about 900 kg.

The mako shark is no less dangerous, although it is smaller than the two preceding monsters, its length is 4 meters, and its weight can reach 0.5 tons. But this shark is very fast and sharp. However, today in the Mediterranean Sea today it is necessary to protect sharks from people, and not vice versa.

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