MORE irukandji jellyfish were caught in one day yesterday on Cairns' northern beaches than Surf Lifesaving Queensland usually finds over a season.

The alarming discovery of more than 30 potentially deadly irukandji during dragging yesterday afternoon prompted lifesavers to close swimming spots between Ellis and Holloways beaches until at least 4pm today.

The closure was an extension of one put in place after a man was stung by an irukandji inside the safety nets at Yorkeys Knob on Sunday. It is too early to determine whether the influx of the jellyfish points towards a horror season ahead.

North Queensland regional manager for Surf Lifesaving Queensland Ebeny Keating said the amount caught was "definitely above average".

"Over the last few seasons we have probably caught that much for the season," she told The Cairns Post.

"The weather conditions have just been perfect (for irukandji).

"It looks like the weather will turn around in a couple of days which will hopefully give us a reprieve."

Ms Keating said the last lot of jellyfish were caught about 4pm yesterday and a decision was then made to extend the beach closures.

Beaches at Port Douglas, Green Island, Etty Bay and North and South Mission remain open.

Ms Keating said people should only swim at beaches that are open or patrolled and wear protective clothing.

Director of the Australian Venom Research Unit Ken Winkel said to his knowledge yesterday’s haul was an unusually high number of irukandji to be caught in one day.

"We can’t be certain of course that the whole season is going to be particularly bad or if the weather conditions are favouring them right now," he said.

Surf Life Saving Queensland will assess the situation again today and make a decision whether to reopen the beaches.

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