AN IMPORTANT seminar on box jellyfish is being held at the Phuket Marine Biology Centre from April 1-3 - and as if to attract an audience, the ''boxies'' have suddenly returned to the island in large numbers.

Today, an outbreak of jellyfish was also reported on the beach at Phi Phi. The creatures (believed to be non-harmful) were all over the sand, in a similar way to the recent Patong infestation, a marine biologist was told.

On Friday, a researcher collected 45 immature specimens of dangerous box jellyfish in Nam Bor Bay, on Phuket's east coast, not far from Phuket City.

The bay appears to be teeming with thousands of tiny ''junior jellies,'' each about one centimetre across.

Their unexpected return since February deepens the scientific mystery about where they come from, and where they may be going next.

Over the first two days of the seminar, experts from as far away as Australia will examine the Andaman region's recent experience with the potentially deadly jellyfish and other harmful varieties.

The third day, open to interested parties and the public, will bring discussion on warnings, protection and first aid in the event of jellyfish stings.

Complete story: Jellyfish Invade Phuket, Phi Phi: Help on the Way

The creatures (believed to be non-harmful) were all over the sand, in a similar way to the recent Patong infestation,

So far, their presence has only been detected on the east coast, except for one sighting at the north end of Bang Tao Bay.

So Patong is on the East Coast, or there was no infestation in Patong.

Your confusing the two types of jellyfish they are describing.. One type which is non harmful has had a couple of sudden bursts where the water is full of them.. Non stingers. Recently seen on Patong beach.

Then the box jellyfish which are currently on the east coast. 45 young ones not a great sign.

Your confusing the two types of jellyfish they are describing.. One type which is non harmful has had a couple of sudden bursts where the water is full of them.. Non stingers. Recently seen on Patong beach.

Which is exactly why I don't like this kind of reporting. Sensationalism IMO.

Your confusing the two types of jellyfish they are describing.. One type which is non harmful has had a couple of sudden bursts where the water is full of them.. Non stingers. Recently seen on Patong beach.

Then the box jellyfish which are currently on the east coast. 45 young ones not a great sign.

Not a good sign if he collected them easily which they don't say...if he collected them in half an hour BAD SIGN...if it took him all day...MAYBE NOT SO BAD.