Context

The UK’s seas provide important habitat and breeding grounds for endangered seahorse species. However, these are under threat from human activity including recreational boating. Around the world, seahorse numbers are in sharp decline as a result primarily of overfishing and trade for curios and traditional medicine.

Our activity

Seahorse provides pro bono political and media advice to The Seahorse Trust. We have worked with local and international partners to raise awareness of the issue and advocate for solutions. Past work has included supporting the Trust’s successful campaign to secure protected status for the seahorse habitat of Studland Bay and founder Neil Garrick-Maidment's successful judicial review regarding offshore oil drilling licences.

Most recently, we have supported The Seahorse Trust’s work as part of the Studland Bay Marine Partnership to install more than 40 eco-moorings in Studland Bay so far, allowing boaters to continue enjoying this iconic marine landscape without damaging the seagrass habitat.

Our impact

The success of and support for the Studland Bay Marine Partnership has demonstrated the value of innovative community-focused solutions. Seahorse successfully helped build a public profile for this work by securing widespread coverage for the partnership including in the BBC and The Times.