Weever fish warning issued for Antrim coast beaches

The Weever fish

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has issued an urgent warning to beachgoers following reports of weever fish along the region’s coastline.

These small, venomous fish, known for their painful stings, pose a hidden danger in shallow waters, particularly during the summer months. As families and tourists flock to the beaches of Mid and East Antrim, local authorities are urging vigilance to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Weever fish: A coastal threat

Weever fish, primarily the lesser weever (Echiichthys vipera), are small marine creatures, typically no longer than 15 cm, with a yellowish body and venomous black dorsal spines.

The larger greater weever (Trachinus draco), which can grow up to 53 cm, is less common in shallow waters but still a concern.

These fish bury themselves in sandy or muddy seabeds, leaving only their eyes and spines exposed, ready to sting unsuspecting bathers, surfers, or anglers who step on them.

According to the council’s warning, “Weever fish have been reported at beaches along the Mid & East Antrim coastline. These fish have stinging spines.”

While fatalities are exceptionally rare—one recorded death occurred in 1933 off Dungeness—the sting’s intense, burning pain, often likened to a severe wasp sting, can cause significant discomfort.

Symptoms may include swelling, redness, itching, numbness, nausea, and, in rare cases, severe reactions like abnormal heart rhythms or unconsciousness.

Staying safe: Prevention tips

To minimise the risk of weever fish stings, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has provided clear guidance for beachgoers:

•  Wear protective footwear: “Flip-flops, crocs, or other footwear can prevent stings by creating a barrier between your foot and the fish.” Thick-soled beach shoes or wetsuit boots are ideal, as thin soles may not offer adequate protection.

•  Shuffle your feet: “When wading in shallow water, shuffle your feet to scare away any buried weever fish.” This disturbs the sand, alerting the fish and encouraging them to swim away.

•  Be aware of weever fish season: “Weever fish are most active during the summer months,” particularly from June to September, when they migrate to shallow waters, especially around low tide.

•  Avoid high-risk times: Stings are more likely before and after low tide, particularly during spring tides when water levels are lowest.

•  Stay cautious in shallow water: Avoid sitting or rolling in shallow areas, as stings can occur on hands or other body parts.

What to do if stung

If stung by a weever fish, prompt and proper treatment is crucial to alleviate pain and prevent complications. The council outlines the following steps:

•  Remove any visible spines: “Use tweezers or the edge of a credit card to carefully remove any spines or fragments from the skin, avoiding rubbing the area.” Embedded spines can increase the risk of infection.

•  Immerse in hot water: “The affected area should be soaked in the hottest water that can be tolerated (45°C or 113°F) for at least 30 minutes.” The council notes, “Some first aid resources suggest using seawater, rather than fresh water, to rinse the wound.” Hot water denatures the protein-based venom, reducing pain.

•  Use pain relief: “Over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen can help manage the pain.” These can also reduce swelling and discomfort.

•  Seek medical attention: “If the pain is severe, persistent, or if there are signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus), seek medical advice.” Immediate attention is needed for symptoms like swelling spreading beyond the sting site, breathing difficulties, or chest pain.

Additional advice includes:

•  Clean the wound: Rinse with seawater or wash with soap and water to prevent infection.

•  Avoid ineffective remedies: Do not use vinegar, urine, or Epsom salts, as these are ineffective against weever fish venom.

•  Monitor symptoms: Pain typically peaks within minutes and may last hours, with swelling or stiffness potentially persisting for days. Seek help if symptoms worsen.

A wider UK concern

Weever fish are a common hazard across the UK, particularly along southern and southwestern coasts like Devon, Cornwall, and South Wales, as well as the North East.

Beaches such as Newquay and Perranporth in Cornwall report dozens of stings weekly during summer, while areas like Swansea and Gower see around 40 cases annually. The fish’s ambush predatory nature—feeding on small fish, crustaceans, and prawns—makes them difficult to spot, as they remain buried in the seabed.

Community and ecological notes

Weever fish lack a swim bladder, causing them to sink when not swimming, which aids their sand-burrowing behaviour. While the lesser weever has no significant conservation concerns, its prevalence in shallow waters during summer increases human encounters.

Local biodiversity officers encourage reporting sightings to track their distribution. On lifeguarded beaches, RNLI teams are trained to provide first aid, often equipped with hot water for immediate treatment.

Enjoying beaches safely

The Antrim coastline remains a stunning destination for summer visitors, but caution is key. By following the council’s advice—wearing protective footwear, shuffling feet, and knowing how to treat stings—beachgoers can reduce the risk of painful encounters.