Marine and aquatic animals abroad and when travelling: are they dangerous, where do you encounter them, where can you see them?

What kind of animals can be found in freshwater and in the ocean? 

There are of course too many to mention, but some popular and well-known animals are:

• Dolphins
• Sharks
• Jellyfish
• All kinds of fish
• Whales
• Sea urchins
• Manatees
• Sea turtles
• Seals, sea lions and walrusses
• Starfish
• Crocodiles and alligators
• Manatees, dugongs and manatees

Are freshwater and marine animals dangerous?

• Marine and freshwater animals can be extremely dangerous, and even deadly.
• Some animals only cause some discomfort or pain, such as certain jellyfish, sea urchins or some fish.
• Other animals are mainly dangerous because of their (biting) power, such as crocodiles, hippos and sharks.
• And in some species, poison or electricity is a major problem.

What to do if you encounter freshwater and marine animals in the wild?

• As with any other animal, it is important to keep your distance and not to provoke.
• The best thing to do varies greatly per animal, see the specific animal pages for this.
• Sometimes you don't see animals, especially in water. It can help to be aware of the risks you run in the area where you are.

What to do when an animal attacks you in the water?

• Check the specific animal pages to get an answer.

What to do in case of a bite or scratch by freshwater and marine animals?

• This also varies greatly per animal, but in general you should get out of the water as soon as possible and seek medical help. It is even better if you can find a lifeguard right away. They usually know what to do.
• Sometimes you have to wash the wound, or if it bleeds badly, apply pressure to the wound. In other cases you have to use hot water or apply pressure bandages.

What are the most dangerous freshwater and marine animal species and why?

• Some of the most dangerous marine animals are:
  • Australian sea wasp (box jellyfish)
  • White shark
  • Stonefish
  • Sea snake
  • Lionfish
  • Blue-ringed octopus
  • Portuguese man-of-war
  • cone snail (yes, a snail. So don't pick up that beautiful shell in Australia, because it could mean the end!)
• In freshwater you mainly encounter strong animals such as:
  • Bull shark - which sometimes swims into river areas from the sea
  • Electric eel - yes, really shocking
  • Goliath tigerfish. This African fish can grow to 70 kg!
  • Nile crocodile
  • Hippopotamus
  • Piranha
  • Saltwater crocodile

Which diseases can humans get from freshwater and marine animals?

• There are all kinds of diseases that you can get from animals in fresh water and sea water. Bacterial infections, parasites, poison and even death.

Can you volunteer or intern with freshwater and marine animals?

• There are opportunities all over the world to do volunteer work or an internship with water animals. Mostly it concerns animals that live in the sea, but there are also projects with freshwater animals here and there.
• Popular projects are often projects focused on dolphins, sea turtles, whales, or coral reefs.

What should you do if you are going to work with freshwater and marine animals during your volunteer work, internship or study.

• Read up on the animal species you are going to work with.
• Ask for safety protocols, because working on/in the water is very different from working on land.
• Always follow the instructions of the organization and supervisors carefully.
• Respect the animal and the ecosystem.