UAE | Environment

Beachgoers asked to avoid sea snakes

Environment agency warns the creatures may appear lifeless due to their weak spines.

  • Staff Report
  • Published: 12:12 November 17, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • Sea snakes are usually found in shallow coastal waters from November to February.
  • Image Credit: Supplied picture

Abu Dhabi: The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) has called on the public to avoid touching or disturbing any washed-up sea snakes they may encounter on the beach.

Sea snakes are poisonous and their bites may be fatal.

Recently, a live sea snake was brought to an EAD centre by a member of the public.

The snake had been found on a beach in Abu Dhabi and measured just about 36cm but adults of the species, identified by the scientific name Hydrophis Lapemoides and commonly known as Arabian Gulf sea snake, can grow up to a metre in length.

These snakes are commonly sighted in Abu Dhabi's warm, shallow coastal waters from November to February. In the summer, they move to deeper waters.

"If you spot a sea snake on the shore, don't touch it. Sea snakes have weak spines and are helpless once washed ashore and appear as if they are dead," said Thabit Al Abdessalaam, director of biodiversity section, marine environment.

Quick facts

- All sea snakes are poisonous. They may bite to defend themselves or when scared.

- Snakes comprise the most recently evolved group of reptiles having evolved from lizards only 130 million years ago, during the late Jurassic period.

- Sea snakes can remain underwater for about 2 hours.

- Sea snakes shed their skin every two to six weeks.

First aid: What to do

  • Step away from the snake.
  • Seek medical attention immediately.
  • Snake venom should only be given if there is clear evidence of envenoming and that too under expert supervision.

Have you ever had an encounter with sea snakes? How did you react?


Your comments


On a recent dive in Fujairah we were surprised to find a sea snake at an off-shore dive site roughly 10 minutes out at sea. We were informed by the dive centre to stay out of the water and avoid it, as its bite is known to be fatal. It was the first time I have spotted a sea snake in the UAE and I have been diving here for years. The one we encountered was fully grown. They are very hard to spot on the surface of the sea and it is advised not to get in water close to the sea snake especially when far from shore as it can easily outswim a human and medical help is not easy to get if bitten.
Nizar
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 18, 2008, 10:02

One year ago I was taking photos of Sharjah beach and I found a yellow sea snake. First I did not know what it was. I thought it was dead but after some time I saw it moving its head. I took pictures of it and left.
Sajid Abu Baker
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 18, 2008, 09:37

I hope they are not present in the new public beach in Abu Dhabi. We are regulars there and this may affect our visits now. Authorities should put up warning boards on the beach to inform beachgoers of the snakes.
Asim
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: November 18, 2008, 09:05

We found two snakes near Burj Al Arab open beach. They are usually spotted in the morning or afternoon around 4pm and they are scary and dangerous.
Meikuai
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 18, 2008, 08:47

I hope these snakes do not come into the beaches of Dubai.
Nair
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: November 18, 2008, 08:39

While living in Dubai in 1989, I frequently found myself driving my fishing boat through schools of thousands of sea shakes. This was within five miles of shore. I was advised never to try to bring one of these on board. My perception is that their venom is similar to coral snakes in the United States.
Allen Thyssen
Texas,USA
Posted: November 18, 2008, 04:11

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