Thousands of Seahorses Are Being Sold Illegally In Markets Across China, Let’s Shut This Down

“Little shop of horrors” is an understatement for a store in China that was found selling thousands of dead seahorses. Kevin Laurie was heartbroken when he walked into the shop located in the Guangzhou district. There were endangered or threatened seahorses in barrels, plastic, boxes – literally everywhere! A Care2 Petition is demanding the Chinese authorities put an end to this horrifying mass slaughter.

Seahorses are used for several purposes including traditional Chinese medicine to treat conditions including asthma, infections of the throat, insomnia, and abdominal pain. According to Project Seahorse, tens of millions of seahorses are captured and killed every year resulting in many species being listed on the threatened or endangered list. While these facts are shocking, it seems the Chinese government isn’t too worried about it, but they need to be! Besides being cruel, it’s illegal, most are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

What’s even more disturbing is that this is just one market, no wonder these magical creatures are disappearing in such massive numbers!  Additionally, not only are they the most unique looking fish species but unlike most fish, they are monogamous and mate for life. That means removing them from the ocean, disrupts couples and puts unnecessary stress on ecosystems.

Between this, Climate change, and plastic Pollution there is so much marine life has to deal with to survive. Signing the petition and demanding a crackdown on the seahorse trade is an easy step you can take to help save them. Of course, curbing your plastic pollution and carbon footprint are also simple ways to make a difference for all marine life.

Image Source: Kevin Laurie/ Facebook