Seahorses rely on coral reefs and seagrass beds for shelter, food, and reproduction. However, these habitats are being destroyed at an alarming rate due to human activities such as coastal development, pollution, and overfishing. As a result, seahorses are losing their homes and are becoming increasingly rare.
Overfishing
Seahorses are also caught for food, traditional medicine, and the aquarium trade. In some parts of the world, seahorses are considered a delicacy and are sold in restaurants. They are also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including asthma, arthritis, and infertility. Additionally, seahorses are popular aquarium pets and are often sold in pet stores. The demand for seahorses is driving their populations to decline.
Climate change
Climate change is another major threat to seahorses. Rising ocean temperatures are causing coral reefs to bleach and die, which is destroying seahorse habitats. Additionally, climate change is leading to more extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and storms, which can also damage seahorse habitats.
Pollution
Pollution from sources such as sewage, fertilizers, and pesticides can also harm seahorses. These pollutants can contaminate seahorse habitats and make it difficult for them to survive.
Bycatch
Seahorses are often caught as bycatch in fishing nets. This means that they are caught unintentionally when fishermen are targeting other fish. Bycatch can kill large numbers of seahorses and is a major threat to their populations.
Human curiosity and Interaction:
Seahorse interaction and collection with humans can result in stress and even mortality for the creature, especially when they are removed from their habitat for research or for keeping as pets.