Vermocane invades Southern Italy, shocking encounter with a bather. VIDEO

Vermocane, plague of summer 2024. The close encounter with a bather. VIDEO

An (unwanted) guest is arriving on the beaches and in the waters of our seas. The vermocane, or fireworm, is creating alarm among swimmers and professionals, due to the possible repercussions both on people’s health and on the balance of marine ecosystems. This species, known scientifically as Hermodice Carunculatais spreading especially in Puglia, Calabria, Campania and Sicilyfueled by warming Mediterranean waters.

The enemy of the sea and swimmers

The warbler is a carnivorous annelid that represents not only a threat to fishermen, due to its predation on marine species caught in nets, but also to swimmers. Its presence has become so problematic that it has pushed the National Institute of Oceanography and Experimental Geophysics to begin a series of monitoring activities and to seek solutions to limit its spread. The marine ecosystem, already fragile, risks suffering irreparable damage due to this invasive species which, with its predatory behaviour, threatens the biological balance of the affected areas.

Here is the close encounter of a bather with the vermocane in Torre Canne (Puglia). The video published by @stephanoxx on Tik Tok

Impacts on tourism and the local economy

Beyond the environmental consequences, the presence of the vermocane in the waters of Southern Italy could also have significant repercussions on the tourism and fishing sectors, vital economic activities for these regions. The unpleasant notoriety acquired through social networks, with testimonies of close encounters between swimmers and this dangerous invertebrate, is putting holiday planners on alert in the affected areas. This situation requires coordinated and timely action to adequately inform the public and to implement effective strategies that limit the proliferation of the warbler, thus protecting the local economy and marine biodiversity.

Planned strategies and interventions

To deal with the plague of warblers, experts are evaluating a series of measures ranging from more detailed monitoring of its movements, to the adoption of selective capture techniques that can reduce the numbers of the species without causing further damage to the environment. Collaboration between institutions, researchers and local communities will be fundamental to implement effective and sustainable solutions, which allow us to live with this new problem without compromising the beauty and health of our coasts.

Tips for swimmers

In the meantime, it is important that swimmers are informed about the potential risks and precautions to take when visiting beaches affected by this problem. Avoid touching unknown organisms, inquire about water conditions from local authorities and follow any recommendations or prohibitions, they are fundamental steps to protect your health and contribute to the preservation of marine heritage.

In summary, the appearance and spread of the vermocane along the coasts of Southern Italy represents a challenge not only for scientific research but also for civil society, which must be ready to adopt behaviors that are aware and respectful of the marine environment. With a joint commitment and the adoption of targeted strategies, it will be possible to mitigate the impact of this invasive species and guarantee the protection of marine ecosystems which constitute a precious resource for the future of our planet.