Newark, N.J. – Last Thursday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists working at Elizabeth Seaport seized a shipment of seahorses (Hippocampus species) that arrived from China. The shipment of Seahorses was manifested as food and candy destined to Elmhurst, N.Y. Seahorses are protected species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) & Endangered Species Act.
CBP targeted the shipment for compliance with health and safety regulations. During an examination of the shipment, CBP agriculture specialists discovered two boxes of dead seahorses among the cargo. Since May of 2004, all shipments of seahorses have been required to be declared at the species level on the declaration form and must be accompanied by the required valid CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) permit or certificate. No such documents were provided by the importer.
Based on the failure to provide this documentation, the shipment was seized and turned over to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for further investigation. Further research of the importer revealed 2 prior offenses for illegally importing seahorses. The importer will be issued a criminal violation by FWS and faces a minimum civil penalty of $10,000 as well as possible criminal prosecution.
Seahorses are commonly traded live for the aquarium trade and dead for decorative purposes and medicinal uses such as aphrodisiacs. They are found in most coastal marine areas which have sea grass beds, mangroves, or coral reefs. It is estimated that there are about 35 species of seahorses. Among the more populated areas for seahorses are southern Australia and Tasmania, China, Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines, however, according to the Fish and Wildlife agents, the smuggled seahorse trade most often involves China and Korea.
CITES is an international agreement between governments. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. The Endangered Species Act provided for the conservation of ecosystems upon which threatened and endangered species of fish, wildlife, and plants.
“CBP plays a critical role in identifying and targeting smuggled endangered species at our ports of entry and is committed to preserving protected wildlife,” said Robert E. Perez, director of field operations for CBP in New York.
Please visit the CBP Trade Web site for more information on import restrictions.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.
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