2012. Review of Significant Trade - Cites

Hippocampus kelloggi
Table 1. Direct exports of Hippocampus kelloggi from China, 2004-2010 (with quantities rounded to
the nearest tenth of a kg, where applicable). The species was listed in Appendix II on 15/05/2004.
Term Units Source Reported by 2004 2005 2006 2007 2009 2010 Total
bodies kg W Exporter 18.9 12.8 31.6
Importer
F Exporter 1.4 1.4
Importer
- I Exporter
Importer 3861 3861
derivatives kg W Exporter 13.6 26.3 40.0
Importer
C Exporter 5000 5000
Importer
Source: CITES Trade Database, UNEP-World Conservation Monitoring Centre, Cambridge, UK
Indirect trade in H. kelloggi originating in China 2004-2010 consisted of the import of 30 kg of
captive-bred bodies by the United States in 2008; this trade was not confirmed by the
exporters. Annual reports have been received from China for all years 2004-2010.
National trade in Hippocampus spp. was thought to amount to at least 20 tonnes (five to
six million specimens) annually in the mid 1990s (Vincent, 1996) and 7 tons in 2007
(X. Meng, in litt. to UNEP-WCMC, 2011). The CITES MA of China noted that higher
volumes of H. kelloggi were being imported than exported (X. Meng, in litt. to UNEP-
WCMC, 2011). Viet Nam was considered to be an important trading partner, although most
of the trade between the two countries was considered to be illicit (Vincent, 1996).
Management: Hippocampus spp. is covered by the Chinese Wildlife Protection law (Category
II) and permits are required for exploitation, breeding and trade (X. Meng, in litt. to UNEP-
WCMC, 2011); however law enforcement was considered to be difficult in the early 2000s
(Project Seahorse in litt. to UNEP-WCMC, 2011).
The export of wild Hippocampus spp. was banned on 01/01/2011 until further notice
(J. He, pers. comm. to UNEP-WCMC, 2011), with the exception of small numbers for art
collections (X. Meng, in litt. to UNEP-WCMC, 2011). The Fisheries Law of the People's
Republic of China (1986, revised 2004) prohibits the use of means such as explosives, poison
or electricity for fishing. Hippocampus spp. is included in Hong Kong SAR’s Protection of
Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, Chapter 586 (Hong Kong, 2006).
Hippocampus spp. is not included in the Schedule of Protected Species (Article 4) in Taiwan
POC, however the use of means such as toxic substances, explosives or electricity for fishing
are prohibited (Fisheries Act 1930, amended 2008).
China is working towards a reduction of by-catch, through measures such as the
establishment of zones where fishing is banned (X. Meng, in litt. to UNEP-WCMC, 2011). In
Taiwan POC, some major habitats were reported to be protected and inshore trawling is
banned (CoP12 Prop. 37).
INDIA
Distribution in range State: The species’ occurrence in India was reported from Kerala
[southwest India] (Lourie et al., 1999; Project Seahorse in litt. to UNEP-WCMC, 2011) and
along the Coromandel Coast (Tamil Nadu) [southeast India] (Murugan et al., 2008),
including Madras [now Chennai] (Lourie et al., 1999).
Population trends and status: H. kelloggi was considered to be abundant along the
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