UK marine agency warns divers and crews against disturbing protected seahorses

The Marine Management Organisation issued a legal warning after a surge in incidents involving Britain’s protected spiny or long-snouted seahorse and short-snouted seahorse. Both species are covered by Section 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the 2018 Endangered Species trade regulations, meaning any deliberate search, photography or filming without a specialist wildlife licence could result in enforcement.

Warmer weather and rising coastal tourism have led to more accidental captures in crab nets and purposeful visits to known breeding grounds. The MMO urges anyone who encounters a seahorse to observe it for no longer than five minutes, stay at least five metres away, and never touch or follow it. Licences are required for high-intensity flash photography, and one outlet's review found bright flashes can stress the animals. The agency’s outreach focuses on habitats in Poole Harbour, Studland Bay and Torbay, encouraging the public to report sightings to Natural England or the Seahorse Trust.