Submitted by: Lindsay Aylesworth
I work with Thailand’s Fisheries Department to determine how their seahorse exports – the biggest in the world – are affecting wild populations, as required under Thailand’s obligations to a UN agreement. My research involves underwater fieldwork, fisher interviews, and modelling to develop an understanding of the species’ biology and ecology, fisheries, and trade. My findings will help promote sustainable management for these fish. The more than 80 countries that trade seahorses will be able to draw inferences from my work in meeting their own obligations. Moreover, my work sets precedent for other fishes that are coming under export controls.