One recent study grabbed headlines when it suggested that the great seahorse could be migrating towards Odisha from the Coromandel coast due to intensive fishing activities. Although fishing is less intense off the Odisha coastline, it may not provide a suitable habitat for these creatures.
About Seahorses
Seahorses are small fish characterized by their horse-like head shape. They belong to the genus Hippocampus. There are 46 species of seahorses worldwide, with India’s coastal ecosystems being home to 9 of the 12 species found in the Indo-Pacific region. Seahorses inhabit shallow coastal waters around the globe, ranging in latitude from about 52° N to 45°S. The seahorse populations in India are widespread across diverse ecosystems, including seagrass, mangroves, macroalgal beds, and coral reefs.
Distribution of Seahorses in India
The nine species of seahorses found in India are distributed along the coasts of eight states and five Union Territories. These range from Gujarat to Odisha, in addition to the Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Unique Characteristics
Unlike many aquatic creatures, seahorses swim vertically, propelling themselves forward using a soft-rayed dorsal fin. Their migration method involves rafting, wherein they cling to floating substrata such as macroalgae or plastic debris to be carried away by ocean currents. Seahorses have a unique reproductive system where the male carries the eggs in a brood pouch located at the base of its tail.
Conservation Status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists seahorses as vulnerable. They are also included in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Reasons for Decline and Migration
The great seahorse population is declining due to overexploitation for traditional Chinese medicines, ornamentation, and general destructive fishing practices. This strain on the seahorse populations, which rely heavily on local habitats, has resulted in a 1,300 km northward migration from Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar to Odisha. Approximately 13 million individuals are caught per year on the Coromandel coast.
Challenges with Migration
The Odisha coast may not provide suitable habitats for the migrating seahorses. It lacks coral reefs or seagrass meadows, except in the Chilika region. Without banning certain fishing nets or stopping destructive practices like bottom trawling, survival for the species will be challenging. This situation underscores the need for better monitoring of India’s coastal ecosystems and improved conservation and management strategies for the remaining seahorse populations.
UPSC Civil Services Exam – Previous Year Questions (PYQ)
On a related note, previous questions from the UPSC Civil Services Exam have asked about marine animals. One question from 2013 asked candidates to identify which of three listed animals were mammals. The options included the sea cow, seahorse, and sea lion. The correct answer was option (b), indicating that the sea cow and sea lion are both mammals, whereas the seahorse, belonging to the genus Hippocampus, is a type of fish.
Last Modified: February 20, 2024