Head, Department of National Poisons Information and Toxicology, National Hospital Sri Lanka, Dr Waruna Gunathileke said that some are known sea creatures but many needs to be identified as they collectively pose a danger to public health and life. He further added that for the first time the Unit had launched an in-dept study on poisonous marine life in Sri Lanka. The in-depth survey will include people from several marine related fields such as: marine biologists, divers, marine archaeologist, marine zoologists and those in the fisheries industry including fishermen.

"The sea snake is very poisonous. Its bite can lead to renal failure and death", he warned adding there were recorded cases of victims of this marine snake reported from Chilaw, Trincomalee and Weligama. Known species of poisonous marine creatures found in Sri Lanka include, sea snakes, sea urchins, shell fish (mukudu belle) , some types of octopus, a fish called ginimaha and sone fish.

Dr.Gunatilleke appeals to public to provide them with any information they have on sightings, details of these fish and their habitats, photos to help in their study.

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