NSW Government reigns in seahorse rustlers

[nsw_fisheries]

http://www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au/gen/...8_seahorse.htm

"This document has been posted for information and to encourage discussion among yourselves. For more information from NSW Fisheries on the issue, please visit our web site on www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au"

[Chrisso]

Full Text

28 June, 2004
NSW Government reigns in seahorse rustlers
From July 1 NSW’s seahorses will be protected from unsustainable exploitation thanks to new laws introduced by the Carr Labor Government.

The protection covers the unique families of fish - known collectively as syngnathiformes - which include seahorses, pipehorses and sea dragons.

NSW is home to up to 37 of the world’s species of syngnathiformes, and three species – White’s Seahorse, Coleman’s Seahorse and the Pygmy Pipehorse – are not found anywhere else in the world.

These bizarre and beautiful creatures are found mainly in seagrasses, coral reefs and sponge gardens from tropical to warm temperate habitats, and around manmade structures such as jetties.

Throughout the world, the demand for these fish has increased dramatically.

Seahorses are facing a growing threat from overfishing, particularly in parts of South-East Asia where they are used for medicinal purposes and as dried curiosities in the tourist trade.

Worldwide in 2001 roughly 25 million dead seahorses – or more than 70 metric tonnes - were used in traditional Chinese medicine and as tourist souvenirs.

Hundreds of thousands of live seahorses were also sold for the aquarium trade, mostly in North America, Europe, Japan and Taiwan.

More than 98% of the 200 individual submissions the Government received in response to a discussion paper, released in August 2003, supported the protection measures.

So, from 1 July 2004, all native species of syngnathiformes are protected in NSW, and it will be an offence to collect or harvest any of these species without a permit.

Permits will continue to be available to allow a limited number of these species to be collected for aquariums and for aquaculture breeding stock.

Anyone caught taking seahorses and their relatives unlawfully will face heavy penalties, including fines of up to $55,000 for corporations, and $11,000 for individuals, plus a possible three-month gaol term.