Look, Don’t Touch: Warning Over UK Seahorse Disturbance
As warmer weather draws more people into the water, conservationists are warning that increased interest in Britain’s seahorses could put these fragile, protected animals at risk.
Conservationists are urging divers, snorkellers and other water users to take extra care around UK seahorses this summer, following an increase in reports of the vulnerable animals being disturbed.
Seahorses are legally protected in the UK, and The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) says it is stepping up efforts to raise awareness of the law after an increase in reported incidents, including both accidental encounters and deliberate attempts to find and film seahorses.
Educational activity is currently being focused around Poole Harbour and Studland Bay in Dorset, and Torbay in Devon, which are home to some of the UK’s most significant seahorse populations.
An MMO spokesperson said the organisation had seen more incidents involving people unintentionally encountering seahorses while in the water or while crabbing.
However, there have also been reports of people diving or snorkelling with what appears to be the specific intention of filming or photographing the animals. According to the MMO, this type of intentional activity is likely to disturb seahorses, could constitute an offence and would require a wildlife licence.
Jess Churchill-Bissett, Head of Marine Wildlife Conservation at the MMO, said she understood why people were fascinated by Britain’s native seahorse species, but warned that they are “incredibly vulnerable and fragile marine animals that are easily disturbed by human activities.”
She added that intentionally disturbing seahorses without a wildlife licence could result in enforcement action, and stressed that the rules apply to divers, snorkellers and TV and film production companies.
Neil Garrick-Maidment, founder of the Seahorse Trust, said the warm summer weather had resulted in many more people heading into the water to snorkel and dive. He also believes increased publicity around eco-moorings and a no-anchor zone designed to protect seahorses may be encouraging more people to go looking for them. “Seahorses are a delicate, sensitive animal,” he said.
Garrick-Maidment also offered advice for anyone who accidentally encounters a seahorse while crabbing. If one is found in a crab net, it should be removed quickly and kept out of the water for as little time as possible. A brief photograph can be taken before the seahorse is gently returned to the water, away from seagulls.
For divers and snorkellers who spot a seahorse underwater, the advice is simple: remain calm, keep your distance and do not use flash photography.
Garrick-Maidment is also encouraging people to report all seahorse sightings to help build the National Seahorse Database. “Knowledge of these precious animals is key to their protection,” he said.
With more people taking to the water during warmer weather, conservationists are reminding everyone that one of the best ways to protect these fascinating animals is simply to give them space and observe them without causing disturbance.
In the meantime, if you want to learn more, please go to-www.theseahorsetrust.org
Source: gov.uk
