Valid point, any conservation efforts need to take into consideration the requirements of the local population. I know they've had success in some areas by agreeing with the locals to keep pregnant seahorses in mesh keep nets until they have delivered their brood. At least that helps maintain the population and appears to be a good compromise. In that case it was better than trying to ban in completely.

Not sure how much the locals make out of the aquarium fish trade, but not much compared to the wholesalers and retailers, I'm sure. Hopefully, they can increase tourism in the area and supplement the local economy that way.

We'll see!