The number of weever, a small poisonous fish, being recorded on the Flemish coast, has increased 7-fold in comparison with last year the Flanders Maritime Institute (VLIZ) reports. The fish is doing well in our climes partly because of the warm temperature of the waters on our shores. People who want to paddle and are eager to avoid a painful sting do better to wear water sandals.
The lesser weever is a 10–15-centimetre fish that is widespread in the North Sea. During the day, it lives buried in the seabed and in the surf. Anyone treading barefoot on a buried specimen risks a nasty and painful sting from its poisonous dorsal spines.
Data from the VLIZ observation network SeaWatch-B show that the species is 7 times more abundant this year than in April, May and June last year. ‘With an average of 1 fish per 70 square metres, the chances of encountering the lesser weever are quite high and 10-15 times higher than in the late 1990s,’ the VLIZ says.
The lesser weever prefers warmer water temperatures. ‘A rapidly warming North Sea and warm beach water temperatures very early in the summer are beneficial for the species,’ the VLIZ says.
Immerse wound in warm liquid
The weever’s venom causes a sharp, radiating pain and possibly also nausea. At the spot where you are stung - usually in the foot - swelling occurs. When stung, it is best to immerse the wound in a warm liquid as quickly as possible. A hair dryer can also be effective.
‘But people who want to play it safe should wear water sandals when entering the surf,’ concludes the VLIZ.