MMO steps up measures to protect vulnerable seahorse species

MMO steps up measures to protect vulnerable seahorse species
The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is seeking to improve understanding across the country of the legal protections, wildlife licencing requirements and responsible behaviours around protected seahorses.
Both species of seahorse native to the UK, the spiny or long-snouted seahorse (Hippocampus guttulatus) and the short-snouted seahorse (Hippocampus hippocampus) are protected under Section 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
In response to recent observed incidents, MMO is reminding TV production, film makers and members of the public, that anyone diving or snorkelling with the intention to carry out an activity likely to disturb seahorses must hold a wildlife licence. This includes taking photographs or filming seahorses in the wild.
Jess Churchill- Bissett, Head of Marine Conservation (Wildlife) at MMO, said:
We can understand the high levels of interest and fascination people have with our native seahorse species. However they are incredibly vulnerable and fragile marine animals that are easily disturbed by human activities. We know that incidents come from a genuine lack of awareness, which is why we want people to understand that are protected under the law and intentionally disturbing seahorses without a wildlife licence could result in enforcement action. This applies to all divers, snorkellers, and TV and film production companies who should be aware of their legal obligations if intentionally seeking out seahorses.
MMO advises people who incidentally encounter a seahorse whilst swimming or diving to take the following steps to help reduce the risk of disturbance:
- Do not spend more than five minutes observing a seahorse
- Never move or touch a seahorse
- Do not crowd a seahorse with multiple people surrounding it
- Do not pursue a seahorse if it swims away
- If a seahorse shows signs of stress (such as darkening, swimming away or curling up), retreat slowly to at least five metres away, avoiding sudden movements
- Ensure your equipment, such as hoses and gauges, is tucked away and that your arms and legs do not dangle down onto or drag across the seabed
Areas of focus for targeted educational activities include Poole Harbour, Studland Bay in Dorset, and Torbay in Devon which are home to some of the most significant populations of seahorses in the UK.
In Studland Bay, MMO established a voluntary no-anchor zone in 2021 with the support of the local community to protect the areas valuable seagrass habitats which serve as a home and breeding ground for seahorses.
In Poole, along the harbour and quayside, MMO has been providing on the ground guidance on what to do if you encounter a stranded seahorse on the shore, or if you accidentally capture one whilst crabbing.
All locals and visitors to these areas are encouraged to follow MMO’s seahorse guidance and play their role in helping to protect seahorses.
If you find a seahorse stranded or if accidentally caught:
- Gently place the seahorse in a cold bucket of seawater
- Take a photo without flash
- Gently return the seahorse to the sea where found as quickly as possible
- Report your sighting to Natural England at seahorses@naturalengland.org.uk and to The Seahorse Trust at theseahorsetrust@gmail.com
Neil Garrick-Maidment, Executive Director and Founder of The Seahorse Trust, said:
Seahorses are a delicate, sensitive animal and extreme care should be taken if you see or accidentally catch one. If found in a crab net, act quickly, keep them out of the water for as little time as possible, take a brief photo, then gently return them to the water away from seagulls. If you spot one while snorkelling or diving, be calm and keep your distance, no flash photography. Crucially, report all sightings so we can add them to the National Seahorse Database. Knowledge of these precious animals is key to their protection.
Find out more: www.gov.uk/government/publications/protected-marine-species/seahorses