New FCRR: Implementation of CITES Appendix II listing for seahorses in the context of export bans and suspensions

Seahorses, all 46 species in the genus Hippocampus, are globally traded in large volumes. They are listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), requiring exports to be sustainable, legal, and monitored. This Fisheries Centre Research Report, led by the Project Seahorse team, followed through the group’s long-term research and engagement to conserve seahorses through CITES. The team investigated the implementation of CITES Appendix II listing for dried seahorses, focusing on exporters with trade bans or suspension, as well as major dried seahorse importers.

Despite measures taken, most dried seahorse exports appear to have gone underground, and smuggling is now the norm. The report explores the many reasons driving this illegal trade and then identifies ways forward to increase the effectiveness of conserving seahorses through CITES, highlighting the need for fishing pressure reduction alongside trade restrictions, as well as the challenges posed by the complexity of the trade.

A key finding is that trade restrictions through CITES alone are insufficient to ensure effective conservation of seahorses. The authors emphasize the urgency for immediate action. The report calls for all Parties to CITES to make a critical choice: take decisive action against illegal trade or ensure sustainable and legal sourcing of seahorses. Eradicating illegal trade entirely presents challenges; thus, it is practical for Parties to restrict exports to levels that do not harm wild populations while focusing on reducing bottom trawling and establishing more protected areas.

The report proposes 36 recommendations, urging collaboration among all parties involved, including governments, conservation organizations, and concerned individuals, for effective seahorse conservation strategies.

All Fisheries Centre Research Reports

Tags: bottom trawling, CITES, FCRR, international trade, IOF Research Associates, Marine protected areas, Project Seahorse, Publications, Sarah Foster, seahorses