Australian Brett Wallensky discovered a dense mat of bluebottles washed up on the rocks, south of Batemans Bay, Australia.
(Brett Wallensky Facebook Photo)
Bluebottles are siphonophores, a strange kind of colonial jellyfish, Rather than being a single organism, individuals each make up parts of the colony's tentacles, digestive system and more. Fortunately, Australian bluebottles are less venomous than their northern cousin, the Atlantic Portuguese Man o' War or "floating terror".
More than 10000 people report being stung by bluebottles in Australia every year, and that number can climb to 30000 in peak year.
(Brett Wallensky Facebook Photo)
(Brett Wallensky Facebook Photo)
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australian Open prize money has increased by 16% on last year to a record total for the tournament starting Jan. 18.
Organizers of the season's first tennis major on Tuesday announced their largest prize pool ever in local currency, with the total for 2026 set at 111.5 million Australian dollars (US$75 million). That was up from 96.5 million Australian dollars in 2025.
The women’s and men’s singles champions will win 4.15 million Australian dollars ($2.8 million), a 19% increase on last year.
Prize money for the qualifying tournament will increase by 16% and organizers say all main draw singles and doubles players will get a minimum 10% increase.
Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley said the increase “demonstrates our commitment to supporting tennis careers at every level.”
“From boosting qualifying prize money by 55% since 2023 to enhancing player benefits, we’re ensuring professional tennis is sustainable for all competitors," Tiley said. “By supporting players at all levels, we’re building deeper talent pools and more compelling storylines for fans.”
FILE -Madison Keys, right, of the U.S. reacts as she holds the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup after defeating Aryna Sabalenka, left, of Belarus in the women's singles final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake, File)
