The worrying global growth of illegal maximum trafficking

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In the past decade, about five million Head SehorsFor an estimated value 18.5 million euros. He is a great character, according to researchers, still without representing the true size of illegal trade. A new study published in “Conservation Biology” studied international data on wild species between 2010 and 2021 and discovered that Sihors – women, drying or postponement In 62 countries. Most of them were present for traditional drug markets Asia.

But those are no longer the only markets. Researchers discovered this Europe and Latin America It also appears more and more on traffic methods. “Nearly 300 episodes we analyzed were based only on internet records and volunteer data, including government notifications and news,” Dr. Sarah Foster, a researcher participating in the Seahrsee project at the University of British Columbia and the main author of the study. “What we see is just a tip of the ice mountain.”

Why seahrases?

Sea horses are very appreciated in traditional medicine, especially in China and Hong KongWhere it is disposed of, and is used to treat diseases such as names Or sexual impotence. It is also marketed as dry memories or live animals for aquarium. It is difficult to organize your request.

International trade of sehrases is legal under The agreement was martyredThe agreement recognized before 184 countriesIncluding the entire European Union. But it is only allowed if the permits show that their export will not harm the wild population. In practice, it is difficult to achieve these permits. According to researchers, this trade pushed to confidentiality, where TravelerThey benefit For the low application of the law and changing trade methods. “It seems that trade routes are varied, as well as control measures,” says Sayed Ascione, the biologist for Project Seahrsee.

A symbol of the biological diversity of threatened oceans

Sea horses are usually seized along with other traffic articles, such as standards pangolin Y Ivory elephant. This explains to what extent is marine species in the global economy of crime against wildlife and plants, a trade that moves Up to 20,000 million euros annually, according to Interpol.

In February, in aThe global process against the movement of wild species, 20,000 live animals were seized from Parallel tiger Even singing birds. In Europe, smugglers were already surprised to transport reptiles under clothes. In April, the Kenya court obtained 6775 euros or 12 months in prison to Sherine Belgian teenagers who went to 5,000 ants To violate the legislation to preserve wildlife. According to the United Nations 2024 report, more than4000 species It is affected by the movement of wild species, which leads to the extinction of some rare species.

However, according to the United Nations, marine species usually get less attention and protection than attractive lands. But for him Silent disappearance It affects everything, from coral halls to ways to live the sea -dependent coastal societies to feed or trade.

How is marine species trafficking and what is done to prevent this?

Control of trade was also difficult. It can be a valuable source FishermanFoster says, there are gaps in the application of the law. The study found only the registered values ​​of the seat that was seized in 34 cases, but it can estimate an average price of about 4.50 euros per animal, which is a low number but it is added quickly when it is traded in large quantities.

Although airports are the usual Nubian points, the most important size Marine goodsHow to transfer is often ignored. Of the 300 cases examined by the group, only 7 % included information on legal penalties. This raises doubts about the frequency that is being treated for trapper and if the current sanctions are sufficient to stop their trade.

“All countries must move forward Strong deterrent measuresThere is a specific application of law and major penalties. ConservaciónMarina everywhere.

When we ask Hong Kong traditional medicine dealers about the duration they want to have seahorses, they answered: “Forever … they are very important!” We agree.