NSW Government to stop unbridled seahorse collection

Seahorses will ride a new wave of protection from 1 July 2004 thanks to new collection control measures announced today by the Carr Labor Government.

The protection will cover the unique family of fish called syngnathids which includes seahorses, pipehorses and sea dragons.

NSW is home to 31 species of the world's syngnathids, including several that are found nowhere else.

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 received in response to syngnathid discussion paper, released in August 2003, supported the protection measures.

Therefore, from 1 July 2004, all native species of syngnathids will be 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 syngnathids 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.

Over the coming months, the State Government will continue to consult with stakeholders about the introduction of the new protection measures.