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There are over 20 species of sea snakes that inhabit the coastal and offshore waters of
Queensland; all are protected under state and federal legislation.
It is rumored that sea snakes are unable to bite and inject their venom into humans, because
they either cannot open their mouths wide enough, or because their teeth are too small
or positioned at the back of their jaw. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Like their land-based
cousins, sea snakes are highly venomous and should always be handled with great caution.
Of the many different methods used to catch seafood in Queensland, trawling is the most
likely to result in fishers having a need to interact with sea snakes, especially in
warm tropical waters.
Research has demonstrated that sea snake bycatch in the Queensland trawl fishery can be significantly
reduced by the use of properly designed and installed bycatch reduction devices such as
the "fisheye".
In the event of sea snakes being captured during trawl operations, the use of correct
handling methods, appropriate handling equipment and personal protective equipment can minimise
the risk to humans, as well as maximise the chances of sea snake survival.
Like many wild animals, sea snakes are most likely to become aggressive when taken out
of their natural environment and placed in an unusual situation. As a general rule, the
total time of physical contact between a sea snake and the handler should not exceed five
seconds. The longer the handling time, the more likely it is that the sea snake will
bite.
It is very important that the handler never takes their eyes off a snake that he or she
is handling. If there is more than one sea snake on the sorting tray, have another crew
member control the other snake while the handler releases the first snake.
To reduce the risk of injury to fishers who interact with sea snakes, the use of handling
equipment is recommended. Snake tongs and snake hooks can be used to release a sea snake
back into the water without the handler coming into direct contact with it.
When using snake tongs, aim to close the tongs in the middle of the snake's bodyónot near
the head or the tail. When the handler is confident that the snake is in a secure grip,
gently lower the snake into the water. Flattened tongs are recommended as they pose little
or no risk to the animal of being crushed.
If using snake hooks, first clear the snake from the net or catch by hooking the snake
as close to the centre of the body as possible. Next, using the snake hook, gently herd the
snake towards the discards shute to be returned to the water.
Alternatively, grip the sea snake about a third of the length of the body from the tail.
Then, in a smooth, purposeful motion, lower the snake over the side of the boat and gently
release it into the water.
The use of a snake hook can help support the snake and gain more control of its head. It
also greatly reduces the chances of being bitten.
If a snake becomes entangled in the net, it may be necessary to cut one or two meshes
so that the snake can be easily removed.
First, position the net so that the area that the snake is entangled in is easily accessible.
Then, place a firm grip with your hand behind the snake's head and use net scissors to carefully
cut one or two meshes from around the snake's head or body. When the snake is freed from
the net, calmly return the snake to the water, being careful to never take your eyes off
the snake.
Returning a recovering sea snake to the water makes an easy meal for opportunistic predators.
If the situation arises that a sea snake appears dead or docile, a confident and experienced
handler may attempt to recover the animal onboard before releasing it. This is achieved
by placing the snake in a container of sea water until the snake's condition has improved.
Sea snakes can absorb up to 20% of their oxygen requirements through their skin, and this
recovery method has proven successful. A handler must keep in mind, however, that human safety
takes priority over the survival of the animal.
Commercial fishers that are likely to encounter sea snakes should carry a snake bite kit and
be trained in the application of the pressure immobilization technique for treating a snake
bite. A snake bite kit should include at least one heavy compression bandage, a permanent
marker, a triangular bandage and a snake bite first aid instruction card. All snake bites
should be treated as seriousóshould a snake bite occur, seek professional medical assistance
immediately.
For more information on commercial fishing in Queensland, visit the Fisheries Queensland
website at www.fisheries.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.
Thank you to all the fishers and stakeholders involved in the making of this video. The
voiceover was provided by Tim Moore.
This project is supported by the Queensland Government, through funding from the Australian
Government's Caring for our Country.
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