2012. Review of Significant Trade - Cites

Hippocampus kuda
Commercial exploitation was confirmed to be absent and no evidence of illegal trade had
been found (S. Khan, in litt. to UNEP-WCMC, 2011). Low numbers of Hippocampus spp. were
reported to be targeted for the national aquarium market (Project Seahorse in litt. to UNEP-
WCMC, 2011).
Management: While Hippocampus spp. is not legally protected within Pakistan, they are
among those species for which export is not permitted, as per Pakistan Fish Inspection and
Quality Control Act, 1997 (S. Khan, in litt. to UNEP-WCMC, 2011).
The establishment of marine protected areas where Hippocampus spp. occur and research on
their population status, particularly along Sindh and Balochistan coasts, is required
(S. Khan, in litt. to UNEP-WCMC, 2011).
PALAU
Distribution in range State: Occurrence in Palau suspected by Lourie et al. (2004), however
no more detailed distribution information was located.
Population trends and status: No information was located.
Threats: No information was located.
Trade: According to data in the CITES Trade Database, no trade from Palau was reported
2004-2010. Palau became a Party to CITES in 2004; annual reports from Palau have not yet
been received for 2006, 2009 or 2010.
Management: The use of underwater breathing apparatus for fishing is prohibited, as is the
taking of aquarium fish, unless exempt or a licence has been granted for local aquarium use
or for research purposes (Marine Protection Act of 1994). The use of explosives or poison for
fishing is prohibited (Palau National Code, Title 24, Chapter 13).
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Distribution in range State: The species was reported to occur in Milne Bay, New Britain,
Lae [Morobe Province] (Lourie et al., 1999a), Central [province], the Gulf of Papua New
Guinea, East Sepik and New Ireland (Baine, 2008).
Population trends and status: A survey of Hippocampus spp. in Bootless Bay found
51 specimens from a sample of 65 belonging to the H. kuda complex, with 40 per cent
females, 28 per cent males and 32 per cent juveniles (Baine, 2008). Mean Hippocampus spp.
densities in Bootless Bay were estimated at 0.13 specimens/100 m 2 , with the population size
ranging between 4050 and 5850 specimens (Baine, 2008). A survey of Hippocampus spp. at
Samarai Island found 53 per cent females, 28 per cent males and 19 per cent juveniles, with
at least 25 specimens out of the 36 collected thought to belong to the H. kuda complex (Baine,
2008). Densities of Hippocampus spp. were estimated at 0.09 specimens/100 m 2 , with the total
population estimated at 400-720 individuals.
These findings were thought to indicate that H. kuda may be the dominant species in Milne
Bay and Central province (Baine, 2008).
Threats: No information was located.
Trade: According to data in the CITES Trade Database, no trade from Papua New Guinea
was reported 2004-2010. No annual reports have been received from Papua New Guinea
since 2007.
Baine (2008) found no formal internal or export trade, apart from “anecdotal evidence” of
artisanal trade between locals of Milne Bay and Asian residents.
Management: The use of explosives and poison for fishing is prohibited (Fisheries
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