The U.S. and Australia are also seeking a discussion on the conservation of, and trade in the more than 200 types of seahorses and related species. Seahorse populations are believed to have declined worldwide, but more complete information is needed about their status before moving forward with a proposal to add seahorses to a specific appendix. Unfortunately, our fascination may well be threatening their very survival. Seahorses inhabit shallow coastal waters, especially seagrass beds, coral reefs and mangrove swamps. Their habitat is often located in heavily populated areas and subject to pollution and degradation.
Seahorses are vulnerable to over-harvesting for curios and aquarium specimens.
The greatest demand for seahorses is for use in traditional Chinese medicine. Eastern medicinal use dates back to at least the 14th century, while early Greek and Roman herbalists mention the use of seahorses as a cure for rabies. Although Western medicine no longer uses seahorses, demand in the East has never been greater. To date, relatively little field work has been conducted to gather information on the health of wild populations. While there has been some valuable independent research undertaken, additional studies are needed to provide answers about the impact of trade on these fragile species.