Virtual Tour of a Seahorse Recirculation System

FACTS

1. Seahorses are particularly susceptible to over-exploitation because of their behaviour and ecology.
   
   
2. Their low mobility and smaller home ranges makes them particularly vulnerable to fishermen, who take them either by diving or through trawling.
   
   
3. Faithful pair bonds, means that the social structure is easily disrupted through the loss of a mate, with consequent reduced reproduction.
   
   
4. Lengthy parental care combined with small brood sizes limit reproductive rates. Also, should a pregnant male be removed it means that his brood is removed with him.
   
   
5. Typically seahorses live in coastal areas, which regularly receive human disturbance such as dredging, degrading activities and destruction of their seagrass, mangrove, coral and estuarine habitats.
   
   
6. Seahorse populations have experienced between 15-70% declines in different areas worldwide.
   
   
7. Currently there are no international trade restrictions on seahorses.
   
   
8. International Conservation priorities are:
   • The maintenance of coastal zone habitats
   • Developing community-based seahorse fisheries management and aquaculture.