Key components

The PSP will advance seahorse conservation in the Philippines by making a difference to their status, habitats, fisheries, and trade.  We are implementing the following five key components (which were identified in the 2016 National Plan of Action):

Knowing the Philippine seahorses

• Conduct the IUCN National Red List Assessments of the 10 seahorse species.
• Create the Philippine iSeahorse Network – a multi-sectoral network of volunteers to monitor seahorse population in sentinel sites and build local capacities on science-based seahorse and habitat protection.
• Support setting up the Philippine Aquatic Red List Committee Database and pilot seahorse data capture.

Establishing/strengthening MPAs as seahorse strongholds

• Strengthen the management of at least 10 locally managed MPAs with seahorse population and will be assessed using the MPA Effectiveness Assessment Tool.
• Expand coverage of at least three existing MPAs to include protection of seahorse population or establish at least three new MPAs using seahorses as flagship species.
• Develop policy brief to lobby MPAs as a component of adaptive management plan/option for seahorse conservation in the Philippines.

Limiting problem fisheries

• Assess and evaluate illegal fishing gears affecting the seahorse population.
• Develop the management plan to address the problem fisheries through workshop and round-table discussions with different stakeholders and provide technical support to LGUs for the implementation.
• Integrate seahorse fisheries dependent monitoring survey at sentinel sites for by-catch monitoring in DA-NFRDI’s National Stock Assessment Program.

Legalizing a sustainable seahorse trade

• Develop and implement a standard seahorse seizure data template.
• Train at least 50 wildlife law enforcers in seahorse identification and implementation of the standardized seizure template.
• Conduct NDFs in Bohol as the pilot site and develop a functioning management plan.

Developing knowledge products (KPs)

• Develop and produce at least three KPs to engage and motivate wider audience to take action for seahorse and marine conservation.
• Develop and produce at least three KPs for Aquatic Wildlife Enforcement Officers to use in enforcing aquatic laws (e.g., iSeahorse ID guide, measuring dried seahorses, etc.)

[Updated 16 Jan 2024]