Seahorses and other members of the family Syngnathidae

Directed to Parties

12.53

a) Parties are encouraged, where domestic legislation bans fishing of and trade in species listed in the Appendices, as a matter of priority, to allow sustainable trade in specimens of Hippocampus species under the provisions of the Convention; b) Parties are encouraged to explore the benefits of trade certification options offered by independent organizations; and c) CITES Management Authorities are requested to strengthen their collaboration and cooperation regarding management of Hippocampus species with appropriate fisheries agencies.

Directed to the Animals Committee

12.54

The Animals Committee shall identify a minimum size limit for specimens of all Hippocampus species in trade as one component of an adaptive management plan, and as a simple precautionary means of making initial non-detriment findings in accordance with Article IV of the Convention.

Directed to the Nomenclature Committee

12.55

The Nomenclature Committee shall propose a standard taxonomy for species in the genus Hippocampus.

Directed to the World Customs Organization

12.56

The World Customs Organization is invited to develop harmonized codes for live seahorses, dried seahorses, live pipefishes (and pipehorses), and dried pipefishes (and pipehorses).