How to Save Seahorses from Extinction

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By derbyka
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Anyone can help save seahorses

"Do seahorses really exist?" The amazing majesty of these animals has prompted many to ask this question. The answer is "yes, they do exist" ... for now. Renowned for their mythical beauty, seahorses have long captivated the human imagination and, more recently, scientific mind. Yet, just as biologists have started to uncover the intricacies of seahorse life, including the male's famous role as a "pregnant father," the world's sea horse population is suffering immense casualties. Ironically, the mythical properties attributed to seahorses by Chinese culture have given the animals immense value as medicine and tourist charms. Furthermore, the striking appearance of seahorses means they are in demand for aquariums and home aquatic tanks. To top it all off, continued development is destroying areas of sea grass, their natural habitat. However, there are measures that can be taken to ensure that the seahorse remains a living, breathing creature and not just a fairy tale.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Avoid, at all costs, buying dried "souvenir" seahorses or any "medicines" that may contain seahorses. Millions of seahorses are harvested from the ocean each year (often in the Philippines) to fuel this trade.
Step 2

Don't purchase seahorses for home aquariums. These are always wild caught and buying them promotes the destruction of seahorses and their wild habitats.
Step 3

Support aquariums that are working on developing captive seahorse breeding programs and supporting conservation. As of now, breeding seahorses in captivity is rare and difficult. If made more successful, it could be a source for aquarium specimens and public education. It might even be used for reintroduction to the wild.
Step 4

Don't use chemical fertilizers or harsh cleaning products, especially if you live in an ocean watershed. These contaminate the water and poison the seahorses' habitat. Seek out natural cleaning products and slow release, organic fertilizers instead to help conserve areas of sea grass.
Step 5

If you boat in or near the ocean, do not motor through shallow areas where there is sea grass, the natural habitat of seahorses. Instead, lift your propeller and drift into the shallows. Then, use a push pole or trolling motor to move around.
Step 6

Stay in marked boating lanes while out on the water. Get a map to help you navigate. This will help you avoid sensitive sea grass areas that may house seahorses. In addition, it will help save other animals, such as manatees.
Step 7

Encourage others on the water to preserve sea grass and talk to them about the plight of seahorses and seahorse conservation.
Step 8

Buy fair trade goods from the Philippines to promote a local diversification of marketable skills. Many fisherman and villages rely almost completely on the harvest of sea horses. Finding less destructive ways for them to use the their natural resources is key to saving the seahorses.