Rare sea snake rediscovered off WA coast

A species of sea snake thought to be extinct has been rediscovered off the West Australian coast.

A wildlife officer spotted two short-nosed sea snakes - last recorded a Ashmore Reef in the Timor Sea in 1998 - while patrolling in Ningaloo Marine Park on the state's mid-north coast.

Environment minister Albert Jacob said the discovery was especially important because they had never been seen at Ningaloo Reef.

"This stunning marine park is a haven for a diverse range of species and we are constantly gaining more information about it," he said.