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TRAFFIC report highlights unsustainable trade in seahorses

A new report from NGO TRAFFIC, ‘Seahorse trade dynamics from Africa to Asia’, uses trade data to the world’s biggest importer, Hong Kong, before using statistical analysis to uncover international re-exportation patterns and to identify the key role played by countries in Africa in the global dried seahorse trade.

Whilst incidental capture and habitat destruction by trawling vessels is contributing to the global decline in seahorse populations it is the demand for dried seahorses, to supply the traditional Chinese medicines across Asia, that continues to drive the exploitation of seahorses from a growing number of source countries.

Download the Seahorse trade dynamics from Africa to Asia report here.