Sea Snakes Galore on New Caledonia Scuba Dives; Species of Sea Snakes

Species of Sea Snakes in New Caledonia

Why do there seem to be so many? It seems that this area of New Caledonia may be a hotspot for these snakes. There are thought to be twelve species of sea snakes that occur in New Caledonia. So far, we have seen four different species including the blue-banded sea snake, Lauticada lauticadata; the banded sea krait, Laticauda colubrina; the golden sea snake, Aipysurus laevis; and the turtle-headed sea snake, Emydocephalus annulatus.

Aipysurus laevis, golden sea snake seen perusing the reef.

Scientific Diver, Ken Marks, was the first to spot the turtle-headed snake while it was sheltering in a small crevice in the reef. As the dive continued, five more were seen swimming around the reef. Though common in New Caledonia, this is the first time the turtle-headed sea snake has been seen on the Global Reef Expedition.

Turtle-headed sea snake above a table acroporid

Turtle-headed sea snakes are commonly found throughout the Indo-Pacific; however, studies show that these snakes continuously return to the same area. They may continue to return to this area due to the many beaches and nesting places that make up their habitat. Additionally, there are lots of lagoonal areas with lots of food. Studies have also shown that this species of sea snakes feeds primarily on fish eggs, unlike the banded sea krait that feeds on small fish and eels.

Turtle-headed sea snake, Emydocephalus annulatus, swimming around the reef.

With a little more luck, we will continue see these remarkable and mysterious creatures on our scientific dives as we carry on with our mission in New Caledonia.

Photos by: 2 Serge Andrefouet; 3-4 Andrew Bruckner

From Mangrove Mud to Meaningful Work: Desta’s J.A.M.I.N. Journey

Some students I remember for their grades, their quick answers, or a moment that made the whole class laugh. Others I remember for the way they stepped into the mangroves.

Desta was the kind of student who thrived outdoors. While some students hesitated at the edge of the mud, he walked right in. And when he inevitably got stuck — because everyone does — he didn’t get frustrated. He laughed. Covered in mud, holding mangrove propagules in his hands, he embraced the experience fully.

Even then, it was clear that he was connecting with the environment in a way that went beyond the lesson plan…

From Students to Stewards: A Full-Circle Moment for J.A.M.I.N.

There are certain faces you never forget.

Over the years, hundreds of students have stepped into mangrove forests with us through the Jamaica Awareness of Mangroves in Nature (J.A.M.I.N.) program. I may not always remember every name, but I remember the expressions — the hesitation before stepping into thick mud, the laughter when someone loses a shoe, the look of surprise when they catch that unmistakable sulfur smell rising from the mangrove soil…

Species of Sea Snakes in New Caledonia

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From Mangrove Mud to Meaningful Work: Desta’s J.A.M.I.N. Journey

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