The seahorse is an interesting marine animal for several reasons: the males are the ones that carry the eggs, they are seasonally monogamous, and, let’s face it, they are pretty odd looking! But seahorses, like so many other marine animals, are threatened due to overfishing and habitat loss.
Professor Amanda Vincent from the University of British Columbia uses the seahorse as a flagship species for marine conservation. As a founder of Project Seahorse, she aims to create a world where marine ecosystems are healthy and well-managed.
So far Project Seahorse has helped designate 35 “no-take” marine protected areas, create national marine policies in many countries including Australia, and put in place the first global export controls for marine fish.
But she also wants you to do your part. Check out Sea Choice and make sure the seafood you eat is sustainably acquired. Download the Microbeads app to find out which cosmetic products contain tiny microbeads that build-up in the oceans, and switch brands. Insist that ocean health is included every time there is a national policy discussion.
We depend on our oceans for climate management, food provision, shipping and transport, recreation, and much more. Let’s make caring about the ocean as Canadian as hockey.