Wildlife

Seahorse Trade and Conservation Welfare

Seahorse welfare concerns intersect with conservation as millions are traded annually for traditional medicine and aquariums.

Key Facts

Over 37 million seahorses were traded annually before CITES Appendix II listing
Dried seahorses for traditional medicine die through slow desiccation
Live seahorses in aquariums often die from starvation without appropriate feeding
CITES listing has reduced but not eliminated unsustainable trade

Welfare Considerations

Seahorses dried alive for traditional medicine experience slow desiccation causing prolonged suffering. Live seahorses in aquariums without appropriate live food provision starve over days to weeks. Their specific feeding requirements including live small crustaceans are rarely met by general marine aquarium owners. CITES protection has improved oversight but illegal trade continues.

What You Can Do

Avoid traditional medicine products containing seahorses
Never purchase wild-caught seahorses for aquariums
Support CITES enforcement programs
Donate to seahorse conservation and sustainable aquaculture research