Conservation and protection of seahorses requires an understanding of the biology and behaviour of the animals and the threats that they face. Since early 2006 we have been observing the increased threats to these creatures in Cambodian coastal waters. Seahorses where an abundant species in Cambodia. Up to 7 species have been identified so far at both sandy sea bed areas and sea grass meadows near Sihanoukville and Kampot but the numbers have dropped dramatically and some species have not been seen at all during the past 12 months. To protect these beautiful and secretive creatures of the sea we perform extensive research on their populations densitys, their biology and their behaviour. We have managed to secure two of the main breeding grounds and are currently working on the physical protection of these species as they are highly vulnerable to illegal and destructive fishing techniques especially weighted bottom trawling. Demarcation of these areas through deployment of physical barriers is one of many ways to realize protection. The creation of community patrolled areas is another, with the help of the community on Koh Rong Samloem, local authoritys and the fisheries administration we have come along way in stopping the decline of these beautiful creatures.

Seahorse biology causes most species to be particularly susceptible to over-fishing:

1. Their small brood size limits their potential reproductive rate;
2. Male brooding means that young depend on parental survival for far longer than in most fish species;
3. Monogamy in most species means that widowed Seahorses don’t reproduce until they find a suitable new partner;
4. A serious drop in populations due to overfishing here in Cambodia suggests that lost partners will not quickly be replaced
5. Slow mobility and smaller home ranges in many species may restrict recolonization of depleted areas, although juveniles may be the primary dispersers.
6. Loss of large areas of habititat means less food and less saftey from preditors

These problems are being investigated by acquiring comprehensive knowledge of Seahorse biology and behaviour within the species found in Cambodian waters. As much information as possible is being collected on areas such as growth rates, longevity, juvenile dispersal mating habits and general habitats to be able to create a comprehensive protection/conservation program. If you would like to get involved in these activities please contact us for more details.

All the Team at Marine Conservation have been diving and enjoying interaction with these seclusive and beautiful animals for the past few years.

As Seahorses were the main focus when we started this conservation movement we have been working on securing the saftey of Cambodia's seahorses, their relatives and their habitats. We have managed to stop most illegal collections of seahorses around the Islands of
Koh Rong and Koh Roug Samleom and here are some of the ways we have achieved this.

1. We are assisting fishing communities, through education and training, developing the skills and legal authority they need to manage their local resources.
2. We are developing new management protocols and models for local fisheries, and helping communities to understand the ecological and economic impacts of fisheries.
3. We are educating local communities to reduce the incidental by-catch when using non-selective fishing gear.
4. We have started to restore degraded sea-grass beds and replant to areas that have been totally degraded.
5. We have assisted in the implementation of community conservation areas to fish stocks and protect vulnerable habitats.
6. We have helped to develop alternative livelihoods that are ecologically sensitive and economically sustainable, in order to reduce fishing pressure on exploited wild populations.
7. We are using "project Seahorse" population and behaviour survey techniques to survey and record as much data as possible to assist in the conservation of these wonderful animals
   

Interesting Seahorse Links

Project Seahorse

Seahorse.org

ISeahorses

Kingdom of Seahorses