Wildlife

Wild Seahorse Conservation and Welfare

Seahorses face threats from trade, bycatch, and habitat loss affecting millions of individuals.

Key Facts

Over 37 million seahorses are traded annually for traditional medicine and aquariums
All 40+ species are vulnerable or threatened
Seahorse fathers carry and birth young in a unique male pregnancy
Habitat loss including seagrass and coral reef decline reduces populations globally

Welfare Considerations

Seahorses caught in trawl bycatch face crushing, suffocation, and death. Those collected for trade experience transport mortality from stress and oxygen depletion. The extraordinary biology of seahorses — including male pregnancy — makes their decline particularly notable. Reducing demand for wild-caught seahorses and protecting their habitats prevents suffering at scale.

What You Can Do

Never buy wild-caught seahorses for aquariums
Decline to purchase traditional medicine products containing seahorse
Support Project Seahorse and seahorse conservation organisations
Advocate for improved bycatch reporting and reduction measures