Assessment Information
Red List Category
VU
Vulnerable
Red List Criteria
A4cd
Version
3.1
Year Assessed
2003
Assessor/s
Project Seahorse
Reviewer/s
Foster, S.J., Marsden, A.D. & Vincent, A.C.J. (Syngnathid Red List Authority)
Contributor/s
Justification
H. erectus is listed as Vulnerable (VU A4cd) based on inferred declines of at least 30% caused by targeted catch, incidental capture, and habitat degradation. While there is little information on changes in numbers of the species, there is indirect evidence to suggest that declines have taken place and are continuing. This listing is consistent with the precautionary approach of the IUCN.
Hippocampus erectus is traded for use as aquarium fishes, curios and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) (Vincent and Perry, in prep.). This species is also incidentally caught, as bycatch, in shrimp trawl and other fisheries in Florida (Baum et al. in review), Mexico (J. Baum, unpublished data), Central America (Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua) (J. Baum, unpublished data) and South America (Argentina, Brazil) (I. Rosa and J. Baum, unpublished data). This species is also affected by habitat degradation due to coastal development and pollution. Given that H. erectus is among the most commonly traded seahorse species, particularly for ornamental display, fishers' and traders' evidence of declines in seahorse availability raise concern for this species.
Hippocampus erectus is traded for use as aquarium fishes, curios and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) (Vincent and Perry, in prep.). This species is also incidentally caught, as bycatch, in shrimp trawl and other fisheries in Florida (Baum et al. in review), Mexico (J. Baum, unpublished data), Central America (Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua) (J. Baum, unpublished data) and South America (Argentina, Brazil) (I. Rosa and J. Baum, unpublished data). This species is also affected by habitat degradation due to coastal development and pollution. Given that H. erectus is among the most commonly traded seahorse species, particularly for ornamental display, fishers' and traders' evidence of declines in seahorse availability raise concern for this species.
History
- 1996Vulnerable
