SCITECH RECENTLY: UST Bio Dep’t collabs with University of Adelaide on two-day Sea Snake Workshop
By: Rodel Arzaga, Kenaiah Ramos, and Julia Melisse Tungol
The Department of Biological Sciences, with the University of Adelaide, held the first day of a two-day Sea Snake Workshop last August 14, at the Thomas Aquinas Research Center (TARC) Auditorium. On the first day, four sea snake experts were invited to discuss advances in sea snake systematics and the future directions of sea snake research in the country.
Assoc. Prof. Kate Sanders, PhD led the first seminar talk, introducing the opportunities and challenges of sea snake research, particularly in Australia, where most of their field surveys are conducted. Their curiosity-driven exploration utilizing genomics, historical data, and advanced equipment gathered key findings, including the rapid diversification of sea snakes and physiological adaptations linked to environmental conditions. Their unique adaptations, such as a vascular cephalic network and gene expansion for color vision, set them apart from other herpetological groups. High residency in the shallow Australian waters has been observed, with individuals traveling up to 15 km daily, raising questions about their migratory behavior and how they navigate the waters.
Focusing on advances in sea snake systematics, Dr. James Nankivell delivered the next talk of the workshop. Despite a high degree of sea snake diversity in the coral triangle, he outlined the challenges in sea snake research, noting that these organisms are misunderstood and feared. He added that the snakes’ unpredictable behavior and remote habitats necessitate skilled fishermen and specialized equipment. He also underlines that subjectivity and the existing limitations in traditional taxonomic research still need to be solved. Dr. Nankivell concluded his talk by praising Malcolm Smith’s monograph containing published names, descriptions, and illustrations of sea snakes, which remains admired in the field and used as a baseline for modern taxonomy.
Meanwhile, Dr. Amelia Pointon highlighted new methods for monitoring sea snake movement and behavior. She also shared her research on species identification using environmental DNA, emphasizing how it solves problems in handling sea snakes and molecular component degradation. Dr. Pointon presented her colleague’s work on locating sea snakes and tracking their diurnal and nocturnal activities using acoustic telemetry, a technology that employs receivers underwater that detect the sounds transmitted by tags attached to sea creatures. She wrapped up by sharing her fieldwork experiences, highlighting how their boats served as both transport and sample processing sites.
Dr. Vhon Oliver Garcia concluded the roster of speakers for the first day of the seminar, highlighting the history of sea snake research in the Philippines. He emphasized the country’s strategic location at the apex of the coral triangle, which has the highest diversity of marine organisms, particularly sea snakes. At the end of the discussion, Dr. Garcia highlighted the importance of coordination between the locals and the government for successfully implementing sea snake research. He then dedicated his talk to Dr. Albert Alcala, who revived marine research after World War II.
The program was closed by Niña Kathryn G. Alfeche, MSc, summarizing the importance of sea snakes to the environment. Ultimately, she encouraged the students to pursue research related to sea snakes to contribute to a more holistic understanding of marine biodiversity.
Photos by: Kenaiah Ramos and Julia Melisse Tungol
