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• Seahorses

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Seahorses

You require a licence if you dive with the intention of carrying out an activity that is likely to disturb seahorses (such as photography, filming or surveys).

Both seahorse species found in UK waters are protected:

• spiny seahorse (Hippocampus guttulatus)
• short snouted seahorse (Hippocampus hippocampus).

Offences that apply to these species are listed in Section 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).

We are no longer issuing licences that permit flash photography on seahorses due to the potential impact of flash photography. This follows advice from our statutory advisors and is on a precautionary basis while we develop our evidence base on potential impacts.

You do not require a licence if you are not intending to search for seahorses or other protected species. You should try to limit the extent of any disturbance that may result if you come into contact with a seahorse or protected species.

Read the divers' protocol for seahorses and sea grass from the Dorset Wildlife Trust website www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/diving_protocols.html.