The sustainable use of marine species is the focus of a new Hong Kong group led by the University of British Columbia in partnership with traditional Chinese medicine merchants, conservation groups, the University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong government.
Note to Chinese news media: Researcher Joy Lam, University of Hong Kong, is fluent in both Mandarin and Cantonese, and will be available for interviews today and Friday, Nov. 2 ONLY.
Note to editors: To see available B-roll of fishers and boats, fish, coral and underwater researchers, visit: www.cfis.ubc.ca/page415.htm
Spearheading the council, yet to be named, is UBC’s world-renowned Project Seahorse team, which aims to improve the conservation of marine species used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
Approximately one-quarter of the world’s population draws on TCM to meet their health needs, according to Project Seahorse researchers. More than 600 types of marine animals and plants have been used in TCM, including seahorses, yellow croaker, pipefishes, seamoths, seaweed, starfish and pearls. Of urgent concern is the imminent collapse of the yellow croaker fishery, which is in high demand along with other finfish for their swim bladders.
“Historically, many conservation advocates have treated TCM use as bad news for wildlife,” says Amanda Vincent, Canada Research Chair in Marine Conservation and Director of Project Seahorse, an international team that conducts research and advocates for healthy and well-managed ocean ecosystems.
“In contrast, Project Seahorse has found enthusiastic conservation partners among the TCM traders, doctors and consumers,” says Vincent.
“We’ll be working directly with TCM training centres in Hong Kong and mainland China,” says Marine Medicinal Conservation Officer Joy Lam, who joined Project Seahorse earlier this year and is based at the University of Hong Kong’s School of Biological Sciences.
“To enhance the conservation elements of their training, we’ll help TCM instructors identify species of concern within their pharmacopeia, while stressing the importance of the doctors’ role in conservation.”
This initiative brings together groups that have never before collaborated, says Vincent, noting such co-operation is critical because Hong Kong is the world’s largest entry port for TCM products, which are sold locally and also re-exported to mainland China and other Chinese communities globally.
“Many species are at risk,” says Vincent, “a prospect so worrying that Project Seahorse instigated an international [CITES, see below] agreement by 172 nations to regulate seahorse exports to sustainable levels.”
The Hong Kong council members represent diverse perspectives that include: UBC; the Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Merchants Association (HKCMMA); The University of Hong Kong’s School of Chinese Medicine and School of Biological Sciences; the Hong Kong government’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department; Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, a Hong Kong marine theme park focused on conservation and public education; TRAFFIC, a non-government organization that monitors wildlife trade; and the Zoological Society of London (UK), a major partner in Project Seahorse..
This council expands upon partnerships that Project Seahorse first established in 1998 with the HKCMMA and TRAFFIC. That collaboration led to voluntary codes of conduct by TCM traders, and to the TCM industry’s participation in decision-making groups associated with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.
Background
Project Seahorse is an interdisciplinary, international team committed to conservation and sustainable use of the world’s coastal marine ecosystems. Collaborating with stakeholders and partners, Project Seahorse conducts research and manages projects ranging from community initiatives to international accords. For more information visit: www.projectseahorse.org
In 2002, Project Seahorse succeeded in prompting 160 member nations of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) to begin regulating the international trade in seahorses. At present, 172 signatory nations limit export of seahorses, some of the most exploited marine species. In collaboration with TCM traders, Project Seahorse also prompted a globally recommended minimum size limit of 10 cm. For more information visit: www.cites.org.
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