Residents in Smalltown, Barrow and Bream have been warned to be on the lookout for mounds of jelly which have reportedly been washed up on the beaches, due to the strong winds locally.
A wildlife expert said “We believe that the jelly came from a container ship sailing to Iceland, with several container loads of jelly falling overboard in the recent strong winds and high tides. Once in the water the jelly packets expanded and have since been washing up on our coast line.
Jelly isn’t good at swimming, and to some extent has to follow the prevailing currents and winds. A strong onshore wind can force jelly onto beaches and, as the tide retreats, the jelly is stranded.
People are being warned not to approach the jelly as, although it isn’t dangerous, it can leave a nasty stain on clothing if not handled correctly.
The Bream Area Rescue Ranger and Enjoyment Dictator (BARRED) said “I must get asked a trillion times a day if the jelly is safe to eat. I don’t think it is and even if it was I would be telling people not to, do it.“
A spokesperson for The Recommended Intake For Levels of Eating (TRIFLE) confirmed this saying “Whilst eating a small amount wouldn’t cause harm, consuming a vast quantity could have seriously adverse effects. This jelly has been mixed with sea water, which contains a lot of salt. Even eating a small amount would see the eater swallowing far more than the government recommended maximum daily salt intake.“
Whilst the jelly itself is not harmful people are being asked to keep an eye out for any signs of ice cream being washed up on the shore.
The wildlife expert further confirmed that “The time to really worry is if people spot any blancmange mixed in with the jelly. If jelly and blancmange intermingle it generally leads to a dessert-aster, so we would ask beach users to remain vigilant and if they have any concerns to phone the Coastguard.”
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