Supporting Viet Nam’s efforts toward seahorse conservation:assessing and mitigating threats to a heavily traded marine species

My project will investigate the status of wild seahorse populations in Southern Viet Nam to generate important information on both seahorse biology and seahorse fisheries. Seahorses are unique creatures that are vulnerable to habitat depletion, pollution, and, sadly, excessive fishing by humans. An estimated 20 million seahorses are traded annually for use in traditional medicine, aquarium displays, and souvenirs. Viet Nam is one of the main sources of seahorses for trade, but there is no information on the sustainability of this exploitation. Seahorse exports have been banned from the country, which has significant social, economic, and environmental impacts. By collecting new information on seahorses, my research will increase Viet Nam’s ability to conserve these vulnerable fish, and contribute to a national management plan in support of sustainable seahorse populations.

Faculty Supervisor:

Amanda Vincent

Student:

Partner:

Vietnam National University

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: