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An invasive seagrass, Halophila stipulacea, was first
discovered in the Caribbean in 2005, arriving from either the
Mediterranean or the Indian Ocean. Since 2005, it has spread
to 15 islands extending across the Caribbean from Aruba to St
John. Although seagrasses are not generally considered to be
invasive, there is evidence that Halophila stipulacea is
displacing one of the native Caribbean species, Syringodium
filiforme; and there is concern for its potential impact on two
other threatened species, Halophila baillonii (Vulnerable) and
Halophila engelmanni (Near Threatened).
Frederick T. Short
Chair, Seagrass Specialist Group
Seahorse, Pipefish and Stickleback
Specialist Group
Project Seahorse, acting as the IUCN SSC Seahorse, Pipefish
and Stickleback Specialist Group, continued to make
measurable strides toward an improved conservation status
for seahorses, in particular. We held a consultative discussion
meeting on the formation of the Specialist Group at the
Syngnathid Biology International Symposium in Faro, Portugal
in March 2013, with about 30 experts on syngnathid biology
attending.
We carried out a rapid assessment of seahorses in
Thailand, as well as studies of seahorse fisheries and research
on seahorse life history in Malaysia. We provided expertise in a
shoreline development project in Hong Kong, and developed
regional identification guides for seahorses in trade for
Southeast Asia which were translated into Thai and Vietnamese.
We collated and synthesized all known material on seahorse
biology, life history, habitats, fisheries, trade, management, and
conservation action for Hippocampus kelloggi, H. kuda, and
H. spinosissimus in Thailand and Vietnam. Technical advice was
provided to scientists, resource managers, aquarium
professionals, aquaculture technicians, and school children.
IUCN Red List assessments have been completed for
eight sticklebacks (Gasterosteidae – only one of which had
previously been assessed). Both pegasids (Pegasidae, sea
moths) were re-assessed and are now awaiting submission,
while assessments for two seahorse species are currently
H. Histrix – Indonesia. © Rudi Rombouts-GuyLian SOTW
under review. We also contributed to the European Red
Listing effort, which includes two sticklebacks
(Gasterosteidae) and 19 Syngnathiformes. We conducted Red
List training for 20 participants at the SyngBio Symposium in
Portugal.
We formally collaborated with CITES Authorities in Thailand
and Vietnam, as they work to implement CITES
recommendations issued under the first Review of Significant
Trade (RST) for any fully marine fish (in this case, for the three
seahorse species mentioned above). This became particularly
important as the Standing Committee banned Vietnam in
March from exporting H. kuda – the first export ban under
CITES for any fully marine fish. We have developed a
framework for making Non-Detriment Findings for Seahorses,
which was reviewed and improved by colleagues in Thailand,
Vietnam and internationally. We also provided information to
UNEP-WCMC during its review of four seahorse species
recently brought under the RST: Hippocampus algiricus,
H. barbouri, H. histrix, and H. trimaculatus. We co-authored
(along with the Chair of the Grouper and Wrasse SG, ex-co-
Chair of the Shark SG and Chair of the SC Policy
Subcommittee) a substantial review paper about CITES and
marine fishes in Fish and Fisheries. Field surveys were
conducted in Senegal to provide trade analysis and biological
data on the heavily exploited species, H. algiricus.
Powered by iNaturalist, we launched iSeahorse, a new
citizen science web-based tool and iPhone app. This venture
allows citizens to upload all seahorse sightings, in a bid to map
distributions and address the Data Deficient status of far too
many seahorse species. We also initiated a national iSeahorse
programme in the Philippines; this will serve as a pilot study for
broader global development. We have created a trends toolkit
for iSeahorse, which will allow users to engage in repeat
monitoring of the same seahorse populations, and therefore
contribute longitudinal data of direct conservation utility. There
were training workshops for potential monitoring teams on the
upcoming trends elements of iSeahorse in Singapore and at
the John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. We frequently share
seahorse information and images via Facebook (3,600 users)
and Twitter (1,600 followers) and we produced 37 blogs;
including stories in National Geographic Newswatch and
Huffington Post.
We gratefully thank a wonderful set of generous and hugely
valued donors and partners for supporting Project Seahorse
and, through us, our SSC work.
Amanda Vincent
Chair, Seahorse, Pipefish and Stickleback Specialist Group
Shark Specialist Group (SSG)
Our vision is for a world where sharks, rays, skates, and
chimaeras are valued and managed for sustainability. Our
mission is to secure the conservation, management and where
necessary, the recovery of the world’s sharks, rays and
chimaeras by mobilizing global technical and scientific expertise
to provide the knowledge that enables action.
In 2013, the SSG completed a strategic planning
exercise and now has a refreshed vision, mission, guiding
principles and core activities. Co-chairs, Nick Dulvy and Colin
Simpfendorfer, and Program Officer Lucy Harrison attended
CITES as part of the IUCN delegation. Lucy Harrison worked
on the IUCN/TRAFFIC review of the proposals, soliciting SSG
80 IUCN species Annual Report 2013