] Seahorses are their own worst enemy. Fished to the point
] of extinction for the traditional Chinese medicine
] market, they mate for life and their unwillingness to
] seek new partners after being separated has done little
] to improve their chances of survival.
]
] One of their better hopes for conservation may lie in the
] unlikeliest of places -- a ramshackle shed perched on the
] edge of the Atlantic Ocean.
]
] Seahorse Ireland says its goal is to help save the
] species by cultivating seahorses born in captivity for
] the growing aquarium market.
]
] "We want to make people aware that the captive-bred
] seahorse is a much better buy," said production manager
] Ken Maher, from the makeshift laboratory in Connemara,
] west Ireland.
]
] "There's no deleterious effect on the environment and the
] seahorse will survive and flourish in your tank."
]
] Seahorses are no ordinary sea creatures, notwithstanding
] their monogamy which is highly unusual for the animal
] kingdom. It is the male who receives eggs from his female
] partner and fertilizes them himself.