Module 7: Sampling Trade

This module outlines how to sample syngnathid trade to support conservation and management. It focuses on seahorses, but the methods described herein can be adapted for other syngnathid species of interest. Sampling at the very start of the trade chain — where fishers hand off catch to an initial buyer — can be a practical alternative when fisheries sampling is logistically difficult, such as when fishing is highly dispersed or when regulatory frameworks center on trade rather than extraction.

This module explains when and why trade sampling is appropriate, and reviews the strengths and limitations of different approaches. It provides guidance on selecting survey methods, locations, and timing, alongside key considerations such as ethics, sub-sampling, and quantifying effort. Practical protocols are included for collecting data through interviews and questionnaires at points of entry into trade, enabling consistent and informative monitoring of seahorse exploitation and use.