Marine & Wildlife

Wild Spiny Seahorse UK Welfare

Spiny seahorses are found in UK coastal waters and face welfare threats from bycatch, habitat loss and illegal collection for the traditional medicine trade.

Key Facts

The spiny seahorse is native to UK coastal waters and is strictly protected under UK law
They rely on seagrass meadows, maerl beds and sponge gardens for habitat
Seahorses are caught as bycatch in trawl and potting fisheries and rarely survive capture
The traditional medicine trade drives illegal collection despite legal protection
Seahorse paternal pregnancy means males bear reproductive costs, with welfare implications during brooding

Welfare Considerations

Seahorse welfare requires habitat protection and bycatch reduction alongside legal enforcement against collection. Seagrass meadow restoration is the most impactful habitat intervention.

What You Can Do

Support seagrass restoration projects in UK coastal waters
Report seahorse sightings and suspected illegal collection to MBEG UK
Advocate for trawl exclusion zones in key seahorse habitat areas