Brian Jeffrey
At the Institute of Oceanography in Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa, 51-year-old researcher Cao Van Nguyen has dedicated many years to meticulously gathering and preserving every one of the 26 sea snake species found in Vietnam.
His efforts have been vital in creating a significant genetic repository for the conservation of marine biodiversity and for scientific inquiries.
As the Lunar New Year nears, the Institute of Oceanography buzzes with visitors. In one exhibition area, Nguyen inspects formalin-preserved sea snake specimens, organized by species. He eagerly shares details about each specimen’s history and unique features when approached by curious guests.
Guiding VietNamNet reporters through the collection, Nguyen introduces himself as a graduate of Nha Trang Fisheries University, now known as Nha Trang University. Since joining the Institute of Oceanography in 1998, he has concentrated on researching sea snakes and marine turtles.
His enthusiasm for marine life led him to work with international research teams from Denmark, the U.S., and Australia starting in 2001.
Since then, Nguyen and his colleagues have traveled widely to gather, study, and preserve sea snake specimens, aiming to ensure their genetic materials are conserved for the long term.
Nguyen recalls the numerous expeditions he undertook to create the extensive sea snake collection on display today.
“Timing is critical in the preservation process,” he states. “The specimen must be handled right away to avoid decomposition, whether collected dead or alive.”
Each specimen undergoes careful treatment with formalin to maintain its structure. This meticulous task requires a deep awareness of the snake’s anatomy to avoid damaging the skin and to preserve its natural appearance.
Initially, the strong chemical odor of formalin was daunting for Nguyen, but with time and appropriate safety gear, he adapted to it.
With over two decades of experience, Nguyen effortlessly identifies, classifies, and elucidates the distinct characteristics of each sea snake species. His research has uncovered intriguing details about these marine reptiles.
Worldwide, there are 62 identified sea snake species, mainly residing in tropical and subtropical waters from the Indian to the Pacific Oceans. Of these, 26 species call Vietnam’s coastal areas home, all being preserved at the Institute of Oceanography.
Among these, some species are particularly rare. For instance, the yellow-lipped sea krait (Laticauda colubrina) is unique as the only egg-laying sea snake, commonly found in the coral reefs of Nha Trang Bay, where it diligently guards its eggs until they hatch.
Newborn sea snakes are about 20 cm in length and begin hunting independently right away. As adults, they can reach lengths of up to 1.5 meters, with some weighing nearly 1 kg. Despite being venomous, sea snakes are generally not hostile towards humans.
The hook-nosed sea snake (Enhydrina schistosa) is noted for being the most venomous. Interestingly, venom from this species has therapeutic benefits – its antivenom can treat bites from other venomous snakes and remains effective even 24 to 36 hours post-bite, making it an essential resource in medical treatment.
The Institute of Oceanography strives to establish a comprehensive reference collection that assists scientists, students, and marine enthusiasts alike.
“By researching, classifying, and documenting Vietnam’s sea snake species, we aspire to enhance public understanding of the significance of marine biodiversity conservation,” Nguyen conveys.
In addition to preservation, he is actively involved in research concerning:
The biological traits and ecological roles of sea snakes.
The impacts of climate change on their distribution and breeding behavior.
Nguyen is also the lead author of the book “Vietnam’s Sea Snakes,” published in 2015 in English and Vietnamese, offering essential knowledge for both researchers and the public.
His ongoing work continues to illuminate the lives of these fascinating yet often misunderstood marine reptiles, ensuring their conservation for future generations.
