About Us
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Who Are We?
Save Our Seahorses (SOS) is a non-profit organisation committed to saving the seahorse and the Pulai River Estuary in Malaysia. SOS is comprised of a group of young scientists, students, public volunteers and local fishing communities.
Since 1995, massive port development around Pulai River Estuary have destroyed large tracts of seagrass beds, which are home to the Spotted Seahorse, Hippocampus kuda. The Spotted seahorses, which once thrived in the Pulai River Estuary, is losing its habitat as well as numbers. SOS is particularly concerned that they may vanish soon.
SOS is fighting to conserve what still remains of the Pulai River Estuary through non-antagonistic approaches. They work with the government, local communities and developers in seeking mitigation measures. SOS holds exhibitions aimed at raising public awarenesses besides fundraising activities.
Sources of Funds: Public, corporate sponsors (including Ford Motor Company, Project Aware Foundation)
Our Needs
SOS has established a volunteers programme to enable the public to help gather scientific data relevant for conservation of seahorses and seagrass ecosystem.
SOS is currently collecting more petitions in their bid to save the seahorse. The petitions will be sent to the Prime Minister, the Menteri Besar of Johor State and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment. Download petitions forms from SOS website.
Need Funds
SOS seeks funding for research, education and conservation works on seahorses and seagrasses at the Pulai River Estuary. Three areas in urgent need of funding:
- Purchase of satellite images of the seagrass beds
- Construction of an IN SITU research station
- A 10-15 ft boat and outboard engine
- Cash donation for utilities
Our Main Focus
Conservation through cultivation
Initiate captive breeding in seahorse fishing zones to ease pressure on wild populations.
Stop fishing pregnant males
Our findings reveal that up to 100% of captured males are pregnant. Holding them in existing cages for a few days to give birth could greatly benefit wild populations.
Education
Raise awareness about seahorse conservation by promoting alternatives to their use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Marine reserves
Advocate for marine reserves to safeguard localized seahorse breeding populations, which can in turn replenish surrounding areas.
Habitat Protection
Seahorse habitats worldwide are vanishing due to coastal development, pollution, and destructive fishing. Preserving these areas is essential not only for seahorse populations but also for marine ecosystem conservation overall.
Our Team Members
Dr Adam Lim
Director
Tan Tze Ying
Group Conservation Manager
Wong Jieyi
Project Leader (Project HippoTag)