Seahorses

(Photo from the MMO)

These very special creatures are very protected in law  and we have been asked by colleagues in the Maritime Management Organisation to highlight the law not only with seahorses but also other sea creatures which are protected.

Use the link above to read about the protection in place to protect our wildlife.

MMO note on seahorses and wildlife licensing – May 2020

If you are considering looking for seahorses or wish to photograph them – be aware:
Both species of UK seahorses - spiny (Hippocampus guttulatus) and short-snouted (Hippocampus hippocampus) are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, under Section 9 for the following offences:
• Possess/Keep
• Capture
• Intentionally or recklessly disturb
• Intentionally kill
• Intentionally injure
• Intentionally or recklessly damage or destroy place of shelter or protection of a seahorse

You must have a wildlife licence if you are diving and intending to do something likely to disturb seahorses.

This could be taking photographs or filming. Intentionally disturbing seahorses without a wildlife licence could lead to enforcement action.

The MMO can issue a wildlife licence for specific reasons, for example, if activities are completed for scientific or educational purposes.

If you incidentally encounter a seahorse this is not an offence, however if you intentionally return to search for seahorses this requires a wildlife licence.

If you have an incidental encounter with a seahorse:
To reduce any potential disturbance to seahorses if you have an incidental encounter:
 Do not pursue seahorses if they swim away
 If a seahorse displays signs of distress divers & snorkelers must retreat slowly to
at least 5 metres away, avoiding sudden movement.
 The following list describes typical behaviour displayed by stressed seahorses:
o A seahorse will rise up into the water column above the seabed or into surrounding area and swim with its tail curled up;
o A seahorse will hold its head in a downward, chest hugging posture
o A seahorse will turn its back, curl up, lie flat or move away
o Seahorse's colouring will darken, especially in the squares amongst the
body ridges; and
o The pupils in the eyes of the seahorse will dilate/fluctuate.
 pg. 1 of 2

  General protocol of snorkelling & diving around seagrass beds:
Due to seahorses’ protection, and the protected status of the Studland Bay Marine Conservation Zone, it’s important that users of the site ensure seagrass and seahorses are not harmed or disturbed while diving, snorkelling and during launching of boats.
To reduce any potential disturbance or harm to seagrass and seahorses:
o Divers & snorkelers should not put their feet/body or equipment down onto the
seagrass.
o Divers hoses and other equipment should be strapped close to their bodies. o Divers should swim parallel to the seafloor so their fins don’t touch the
seagrass.

The MMO recommends you also follow the Seahorse Trust seahorse seagrass diving protocols to reduce any potential harm to seagrass and incidental harm to seahorses when diving.
Further details:

Details about marine wildlife licensing can be found on:
www.gov.uk/guidance/understand-marine-wildlife-licences-and-report-an-incident
Information about the protection of seahorses can be found on:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/protected-marine-species/fish-including- seahorses-sharks-and-skates
Any queries please contact conservation@marinemanagement.org