The seahorse images
featured here were captured at Ocean Rider
Seahorse Farm. Due to habitat loss and
excessive fishing, seahorses have been
driven to the brink of extinction, landing
them on the endangered species list. It's
estimated that each year 37 million
seahorses are harvested from their
natural, vibrant coastal habitats. A
significant number of these seahorses are
destined for the traditional medicine
market, believed to enhance virility and
treat impotence, while others end up in
the aquarium trade as pets. Ocean Rider
cultivates seahorses in an attempt to
reduce the demand for wild-caught
specimens, offering an alternative source
of seahorses for both home and public
aquariums.