Queensland scientists studying Irukandji jellyfish claim local councils are ignoring the threat of the infamous box jellyfish and should be setting up monitoring programs to help prevent injury.
Griffith University's Sea Jellies Research Laboratory is working with scientists at James Cook University to try to understand the Irukandji's complicated life cycle and what impact climate change might have on it.
Professor in Marine Biology Michael Kingsford says DNA technology identifying where the jellyfish have been could be part of a beach warning system.
"That way you can actually know what the local threat is as opposed to guessing, because the worst thing that can happen is crying wolf and the public don't believe you anymore," Professor Kingsford said.
14 people have been hospitalised with Irukandji stings this year, with more expected in the warmer months.