Abu Dhabi beachgoers warned of sea snakes

The public are advised to keep their distance and to avoid disturbing or handling the shy creatures

A sea snake in Abu Dhabi. The creatures are seen in Abu Dhabi coastal waters at cooler times of the year. Photo: Environment Agency Abu Dhabi

Beachgoers in Abu Dhabi have been told to look out for sea snakes this winter.

The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi on Wednesday said sea snakes are peaceful towards humans unless provoked and despite bites being potentially fatal, they rarely attack or bite, and they use their toxins even more rarely.

In a post on social media, the EAD further cautioned against disturbing or handling the shy creatures if they are spotted on the beach as they may not be dead, but just “sluggish”. They have difficulty moving on land so they often wait for the tide to take them back to sea.

Sea snakes are commonly seen in Abu Dhabi coastal waters to feed and reproduce at this cooler time of year when temperatures hover around 22°C. They retreat into deeper water during the warmer months.

Only a few of the world's close to 70 known species of sea snake live in UAE waters. They can grow up to 2 metres long and are found in shallow waters, coral reefs and at beaches. Saadiyat Island and Abu Dhabi Corniche are where they are mostly seen.

The most common sea snakes in the UAE are the Arabian Gulf sea snake, the yellow-bellied sea snake and the ornate reef sea snake.

Advice if you see a sea snake

• Avoid touching or catching it
• Keep a safe distance
• Contact and inform the site management or contact the Abu Dhabi government call centre on 800555
• Share your location and photos if available
• In the event someone is bitten, it is advisable to get to a doctor quickly as venom can cause blood clots and damage the nervous system. A bite can also lead to nausea, vomiting, and, in very rare cases, it can be fatal

Late last year, it was revealed dozens of sea snakes were killed by an oil slick at Kalba off the UAE’s east coast.

Research about the incident that took place in 2021 showed how vulnerable the creatures are to marine pollution.

Oil can prevent the reptiles from swimming properly, while sea snakes also take in some of the oxygen they need through their skin, which is impossible if they are covered in oil.

Sea snakes killed by an oil slick at Kalba — in pictures

A sea snake killed by the oil slick at Kalba off the UAE’s east coast. All photos: Fadi Yaghmour of the Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority

A sea snake killed by the oil slick off the UAE coast.

A total of 39 sea snakes were found dead, most with oil covering the majority of their bodies.

Researchers believe the true number of sea snakes killed may have been much higher, because some are likely not to have been found.

A black-headed gull with oil on its feathers.

A bird that was killed by the oil slick.