The Great Barrier Reef Research Foundation has allocated $267,000 in funding to support further research into "Irukandji Syndrome".

"Irukandji Syndrome" is an extremely painful jellyfish sting and can be fatal.

The rising number of reported stinging incidents in North Queensland over the past 24 months has prompted authorities to act to both protect swimmers and mitigate the impacts on the tourism industry.

Tenders for project funding were vetted by the Foundation’s International Scientific Advisory Council which is made up of the worlds’ foremost marine scientists.

The initial grant has been allocated to three projects. Jellyfish expert and Mackay MD Dr Peter Fenner has been allocated funds to collect Irukandji from offshore and onshore areas for taxonomy and toxinology research.

James Cook University biologist Dr Jamie Seymour received funding towards the development of a bedside monitor to measure the definition, physiological process and optimal treatment of Irukandji syndrome.

Australian Institute of Marine Science marine biologist and geneticist, Dr Madeleine van Oppen was funded to identify which species are responsible for Irukandji syndrome.

Little is known about the species and an assay will be more quickly developed if it’s established they are closely related, Dr van Oppen said.

The projects best complemented the goals of the Foundation for the conservation, preservation and wise use of the reefs said Managing Director David Windsor.

"The guidelines of the funding are fairly tight and are aimed at developing a practical response to managing the presence of Irukandji," said Mr Windsor

The impact of the Irukandji has major implications for public health and the tourism industry that underpins many local economies along the Queensland coast. It needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency."

"We are pleased to say that all the successful bids come from Queensland, which shows the depth of scientific talent in the state."

Contact: 
David Windsor on 3211 8890; 
Dr Seymour on 4042 1229; 
Dr Van Oppen on 4753 4370; 
Dr Fenner on 4957 7800; 
Foundation Media Liaison Robert Dark on 0471 623 156.

Irukandji Syndrome is a clinical problem - an envenoming syndrome of humans. The imperative for ongoing research is because of the syndrome's potential to cause significant pain, morbidity and mortality with all of the associated social and financial implications. Clinical research must remain a key component of evolving understanding of this human problem.

Irukandji Syndrome occurs most frequently in the Cairns area, being named after a local aboriginal tribe. The research team involved in this application has more clinical experience in the syndrome than any other health agency in the world. Current understanding of the range of features comprising the syndrome, the nature of physiologic derangements and optimal treatment modalities is primitive. Further definition of each of these aspects of the clinical problem of Irukandji Syndrome is not only vital for the clinical outcomes it will deliver but also central to any reasoned application of other forms of scientific research of the topic. Presented here are key aspects of proposed clinical research. These concern issues of nomenclature and syndrome definition, assessment of severity of the illness and risk markers, and treatment modalities.

Irukandji syndrome is the name given to a group of systemic symptoms that occur after the sting of a jellyfish.

North Queensland experienced the highest number of Irukandji syndrome cases on record during the 2001-2002 season, including two deaths. Hundreds and possibly thousands of human deaths have been caused by box jellyfish (Class: Cubozoa) in tropical and sub-tropical waters around the world.

However, most of the species responsible for Irukandji syndrome are undescribed and it is unknown how many species can cause the syndrome.

This study aims to identify the species responsible for Irukandji syndrome using both morphological and molecular methods and to unravel the taxonomic relationships between them.

It forms the basis for any ecological and behavioural research (e.g. both polyps and medusae can be identified and linked using molecular markers) and is also relevant for treatment of patients, as closely related species may cause similar or different symptoms.

The combination of morphological and molecular approaches will allow for diagnostic morphological characters to be identified.