Protecting Seahorses in Mangalisse:
Conservation Through Community Action

Since 2018, Bahia Mar has partnered with ParCo and the Mangalisse community to combat the illegal capture and trade of seahorses for the Chinese medicine market. Once a major threat to local marine life, poaching was reduced by an estimated 80% following a targeted campaign involving education and the arrest of outside traffickers.

To create sustainable alternatives, we support the development of seahorse safari tourism, offering villagers new income opportunities while protecting marine biodiversity. Together with regional and international partners, we continue to drive research, enforcement, and environmental education in the area.

As tourism recovers post-COVID and post the recent political unrest in the country, ParCo is now working closely with the village fishing committee to tackle a recent resurgence in poaching and ensure long-term protection for this unique ecosystem.