Clinging jellyfish found in New Jersey waters

NEW JERSEY (FOX 5 NEWS) - Marine biologist Paul Bologna has studied Jellyfish in New Jersey for more than a decade. He says this summer is the first time a dangerous dime-sized species has appeared in the state.

He is now working with a team of students and Department of Environmental Protection trying to figure out how the so called clinging jellyfish invaded estuaries and bays near the Jersey Shore including the Shrewsbury River. These umbrella shaped creatures have a particularly nasty sting.

The incursion is now so bad -- with so many stings reported -- that major water events are being suspended. Among the first is the Shore Paddle stand-up paddleboard event, intended to benefit Clean Ocean Action.

The minuscule marine animals cling to grassy and mossy areas of waterways. Residents say they're easy to spot

With thousands of them lurking below the surface day-to-day life is changing a bit in areas like Monmouth Beach. Schoolchildren normally free to search in the water for fun are now forced to wear full-length waders.