1oC3Dbk

Sea Snake Specialist Group
The Sea Snake Specialist Group (SSSG) aims to promote the
conservation of the world’s sea snakes by identifying,
documenting and developing practical strategies for mitigating
threats to their long-term survival and promoting, where
necessary, the recovery of sustainable wild populations. We
also work to advance knowledge and raise awareness of sea
snakes and their habitats. Our focal species are the marine
and coastal hydrophiines, and marine and freshwater
homalopsids and acrochordids. Arne R. Rasmussen was
appointed as Co-chair of the SSSG in mid-2013, replacing
Vimoksalehi Lukoshek, who stepped down from this role in
early 2013. Our group continues to expand, now with 35
members in 20 countries.
A major focus of 2013 was the severe decline of sea
snakes on the Timor Sea reefs of Northwestern Australia. Nine
sea snake species were previously resident at the Ashmore
Reef Marine Reserve, with high population densities in coral,
sea grass and lagoon habitats. However, following unexplained
declines over the last ~15 years, all of these species have now
disappeared. The Critically Endangered and endemic shortnosed
and leaf-scaled sea snakes, Aipysurus apraefrontalis
and A. foliosquama, were previously known only from Ashmore
and neighbouring Hibernia Reef, but have not been sighted at
either reef since 1998 despite intensive survey efforts.
Members of the SSSG brought attention to this overlooked
conservation crisis in 2013, via articles in international journals
and the popular press. A three-week survey of the Timor Sea
reefs in March 2013 further documented the decline of sea
snakes in this region, and revealed a collapse of reproductive
barriers (‘reverse speciation’) between A. laevis and
Endangered A. fuscus at tiny Hibernia Reef. Declines in sea
snake abundance over that last nine years in New Caledonia
were also documented and publicized by SSSG members in
Kate Sanders (left) and Arne Rasmussen (right) examining an Olive Sea
Snake (Aipysurus laevis) in the Timor Sea.
2013. Continued monitoring of these threatened sea snake
populations, and understanding the causal factors underlying
their declines, are key priorities for the SSSG.
Kate L. Sanders and Arne R. Rasmussen
Co-chairs, Sea Snake Specialist Group
Seagrass Specialist Group
The 72 species of seagrasses worldwide were assessed and
listed on The IUCN Red List in 2011. The Seagrass Specialist
Group had a preliminary meeting at the International Seagrass
Biology Workshop in Buzios, Brazil, 2012. Scientists from
around the world reported on some encouraging efforts to
restore and conserve seagrasses, along with a growing
recognition of the importance of seagrass habitat to the
ecology of the coastal oceans. Seagrasses are food for
manatee and dugongs as well as sea turtles, habitat for
numerous organisms including sea horses, and nursery areas
for temperate and tropical fishes. The next specialist group
meeting will be held on Hainan Island, China in 2014.
Halophila beccarii is a small oval-bladed seagrass which is
listed as Vulnerable on The IUCN Red List. This delicate
species has suffered extensive destruction in Southeast Asia as
a result of mangrove deforestation and creation of shrimp
aquaculture ponds. Working in southern China with the Guangxi
Mangrove Research Center, we have initiated a project to restore
H. beccarii to newly created mangrove reserves. Additionally,
we are growing this species in culture to assess the growth
patterns and determine expansion and turnover rates.
The species status of the genus Halophila in the Pacific is
under investigation through genetic analysis and barcoding, to
determine the degree of genetic similarity between numerous
species. A southwest Australian research team is using genetic
analysis to examine the validity of species identifications that
have been based on morphological characteristics. The
analysis will help to create a better assessment of these
species found throughout the Indo-Pacific. Investigations of
the conservation status and genetics of Z. chilensis are
underway by a group based in southeast Australia to assess
this Endangered species. Zostera chilensis is one of the most
threatened seagrasses, and little is known about the species.
Growing on the Pacific coast of Chile, it has been documented
for many years but the extent and genetic characteristics of
this species needs further study.
Manatee eating Syringodium filiforme in Belize. © Hoslo Jiwa
Specialist Groups, Task Forces and Red List Authorities
79