Seahorses in Peril

We know relatively little about seahorse biology and ecology, and even less about population size, distribution, and health for most seahorse species. At the same time, many seahorse populations are being heavily impacted by direct and indirect harvest. Seahorses are threatened primarily by their demand as an ingredient for many traditional Chinese medicines. Seahorses are reputedly high in yang, the active male force, and are a respected treatment for many ailments associated with a cold kidney system. As a source of fire energy, seahorse can be used to treat many symptoms including impotence, urinary incontinence, wheezing, abdominal pain, toxic swelling and debility in the elderly. An estimated 24.5 million or 70 tons of seahorses are sold annually for use in Chinese medicine.

More than 75 countries participate in the seahorse trade. Most seahorses on the market are caught accidentally by shrimp trawlers who later handpick them from the net and sell them for additional income on the international market. To a lesser extent, seahorses are also threatened by their market as aquarium fishes and as trinkets and curios. 

Seahorses are a fragile species that are highly sensitive to overharvesting and habitat degradation. Some species may not be able to persist if current rates of harvest are not reduced. Seahorses are sparsely distributed and travel only short distances, so once they’re removed from an area they don’t return easily. They also remain faithful to their mate and reproduce slowly, making them exceptionally vulnerable to population reduction. In 2004, all seahorses species were added to Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species, an international agreement to protect endangered species. The 167 nations who have signed the agreement are responsible for controlling cross-boarder trade and regulating fishing practices so that healthy populations of all seahorse species can persist. But to enforce CITES, a lot of information is required.  One of the most important things to know is the identity of the species being most heavily traded, as well as the geographic origin of seahorses removed from the wild. Seahorse Sleuth is designed as a tool to identify the species, and ultimately the geographic origin, of seahorses harvested for international trade.