Nearly 5 million seahorses, valued at an estimated CAD$29 million, were seized across 62 countries between 2010 and 2021.
Researchers from Project Seahorse and Oceans Asia, said this week, most seizures reveal new trade routes for seahorses, in Europe and Latin America. While China and Hong Kong remain major destinations, trade routes appear to be diversifying.
Sadly, only 7% of vast seizures, had legal penalties, which exposes the gap between seizures leading to punishment.
The study used data from 300 online seizure records, between 2010 and 2021, to draw to current conclusions.
Dr. Sarah Foster, first author, program leader and research associate at Project Seahorse, said most seizures of seahorses, occurred in transit and/or destination countries.
The largest volume seizures were found in sea cargo and airports, through passenger baggage. As a result,customs and other enforcement agencies made the vast majority of reported seizures.
“We need to stop illegal wildlife trade as close as possible to where the animals live, while at the same time ensuring any permitted exports are sustainable, as is required under CITES” said Dr Foster.
Picture: Project Seahorse