EPAA Investigates Mass Stranding of Sea Snakes in the Arabian Gulf

Sea snakes are marine reptiles that belong to the family Elapidae, the same family as terrestrial cobras. Globally, there are approximately 60 species of sea snakes, of which nine species are known to occur within coastal waters of the United Arab Emirates. Though sea snakes are the most diverse group of marine reptiles in the UAE, they have not enjoyed the same level of research effort and interest as marine turtles. Consequently, there is a disparity in public knowledge about the occurrence of sea snakes in the UAE and wider Arabian region. Sea snakes are rarely observed by the public as they spend their whole life at sea and will only strand (beach) if they are injured or dead. Such was the case in September and October of 2021.

During that period, the Sharjah Strandings Response Programme (SSRP), an initiative of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) of Sharjah, received numerous reports of sea snake strandings (alive and dead) across the beaches of the Sharjah Emirate. Unlike sea turtles which emerge on land to lay their eggs, sea snakes have no need to come ashore under any circumstance; thus when one becomes stranded, there is most likely an underlying illness or injury. When a report is received through the strandings response network, stranding responders are rapidly dispatched to rescue injured sea snakes or sample those that have died. Live sea snakes are provided with medical care by experienced EPAA veterinarians and herpetologists. The sea snakes then undergo treatment at the EPAA’s Herpetology Department within the Breeding Centre of Endangered Arabian Wildlife until they are healthy for release. Dead sea snakes are examined by EPAA veterinarians and scientific researchers to determine the cause of death, along with gathering biological and toxicological data.

Though the EPAA has not yet concluded the cause of the mass strandings, archived data from previous years suggest that a lower number of sea snake strandings are a natural seasonal phenomenon. Sea snakes are shy and docile in the water, but when stranded they may feel vulnerable and, consequently, may be inclined to bite when touched. For members of the public, it is important that the following is considered during a stranded sea snake encounter:

1. Do not touch, move or poke the sea snake.

2. Do not push the sea snake back into the water, as stranded sea snakes will likely just wash ashore again.

3. Do not harm or otherwise persecute the sea snake.

4. Do not panic. Sea snakes do not have the ability to move on land and will not bite unless provoked by touching them. Sea snakes are venomous, but no reported cases of sea snake envenomation have ever been reported in the UAE.

5. Watch the sea snake for signs of movement, as this will aid the response team.

6. If you are in the Emirate of Sharjah, contact

EPAA at:

Tel: +971 6 504 7777

WhatsApp: +971 56 216 3939

State your location and send a photo of the stranding(s). If you are in another emirate, contact the relevant municipality or environmental authority.

ABOUT EPAA:

In line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the Environment and Protected Areas Authority, under the leadership of Her Excellency Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, aims to protect Sharjah’s natural environment and conserve its rich biodiversity. This is achieved through data driven policies and increased public awareness and participation in supporting the principle of sustainable development to preserve natural and environmental capital to the benefit of present and future generations.

WEBSITE: www.epaashj.ae

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