2012. Review of Significant Trade - Cites

Hippocampus kuda
continue, due to lack of enforcement and alternative sources of income (O'Donnell et al.,
2010). The CITES Management Authority of the Philippines noted that no species-specific
monitoring was being conducted (E. Alesna, pers. comm. to UNEP-WCMC, 2011).
A facility established in Handumon, central Philippines, was reported to be breeding
Hippocampus spp. in captivity (Vincent, 1996).
REPUBLIC OF KOREA
Distribution in range State: Occurrence in the Republic of Korea confirmed by Kim et al.
(2005, cited in FishBase, 2010). However no more detailed distribution information was
located.
Population trends and status: The species was not included in the Korean Red Data Book
2009 (Ministry of Environment, 2009). Little is known about the population status of
Hippocampus spp. or which species occur in the Republic of Korea (Project Seahorse in litt. to
UNEP-WCMC, 2011).
Threats: No evidence of a target fishery, but Hippocampus spp. was reported to be caught as
by-catch, although the scale and use of such specimens was unknown (Project Seahorse in
litt. to UNEP-WCMC, 2011). Hippocampus spp. was reported to be used for the local
traditional medicine ‘hanyak’ (Vincent et al., 2011).
Trade: According to data in the CITES Trade Database, no trade in H. kuda from the
Republic of Korea was reported 2004-2010. Annual reports have been received from the
Republic of Korea for every year except 2009 and 2010.
Management: The use of explosives and poison is prohibited (Fisheries Act 1990), however
the protection status of the species is unclear.
SAMOA
Distribution in range State: Occurrence in Samoa suspected by Lourie et al. (2004), however
no more detailed distribution information could be 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 in H. kuda from Samoa was
reported 2004-2010. Samoa became a Party to CITES in 2005; no annual report has yet been
received for 2010.
Management: The use of poison and explosives is banned (Fisheries Act 1988), however the
protection status of the species in Samoa is unclear.
SINGAPORE
Distribution in range State: H. kuda was reported to occur at the shores of Changi and
Tanah Merah [east], Chek Jawa [a wetland on the island of Pulau Ubin off the north-eastern
coast], Beting Bronok [off Pulau Tekong island, eastern Singapore] and Cyrene Reef [south
west] (F. K. Lye, pers. comm. to UNEP-WCMC, 2011). Kuiter (2009) also reported the species
from Pulau Sekudu, Sisters Islands and Labrador, based on photographs.
Population trends and status: The number of H. kuda found in Singapore’s coastal waters
was considered to be low (Reddy et al., 2011). The species was considered more common in
the north of Singapore than along the southern shores, due to the species’ preference for
habitats with freshwater influx (F. K. Lye, pers. comm. to UNEP-WCMC, 2011). Despite the
many surveys conducted at Cyrene Reef (a southern offshore reef), only 1-2 specimens of
H. kuda were found and the species was considered not to be very common. Surveys were
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