Wildlife Welfare

Spiny Seahorse UK Conservation

The spiny seahorse is the UK's native seahorse species, facing threats from habitat loss, bycatch, and disturbance, with welfare implications for this poorly understood animal.

Key Facts

Spiny seahorses are found in seagrass meadows, maerl beds, and kelp forests around UK coasts
Seahorses are monogamous and form long-term pair bonds; separation causes stress
Bycatch in trawls and scallop dredgers is a major mortality source
Seahorses are protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act
Citizen science surveys have documented population declines in key sites

Welfare Considerations

Seahorse welfare is affected by habitat destruction, bycatch, and disturbance; protecting their seagrass habitats is the most effective welfare intervention.

What You Can Do

Support seagrass restoration projects in UK coastal waters
Report seahorse sightings to The Seahorse Trust
Advocate for stronger protections against bottom trawling near seahorse habitats