According to the Public Relations and International Affairs of the Kish Free Zone Organization, Maryam Mohammadi, Head of the Environment Department of this organization, referring to the process of identifying and returning these two seahorses, said: these species had previously been observed on the shores of Kish and their images had been published on social media by underwater photographers, divers and environmental enthusiasts, but after a while they were no longer seen at their previous location.
She added: simultaneously with the disappearance of these seahorses in Kish, a seafood supply center in Isfahan published images of them on its social media page, and after being informed of this issue, necessary follow-ups were carried out with the Marine Deputy of the Department of Environment and the General Directorate of Environment of Isfahan Province.
Mohammadi continued: the environmental forces of Isfahan Province, with coordination from the judiciary and the protection unit, visited the mentioned location and during the investigations it was determined that these two seahorses had been transferred from Kish to Isfahan.
She, while expressing gratitude for the swift action and cooperation of the General Directorate of Environment of Isfahan Province, said: removing wildlife species from their habitat and transferring them without obtaining legal permits is considered a violation, and such an action can be legally pursued under the laws related to hunting and fishing.
The Head of the Environment Department of the Kish Free Zone Organization added: the importance of this matter is not limited to two seahorses or a particular species, and the removal of any animal species from an ecosystem can affect part of its natural cycle.
Mohammadi, regarding the condition of these two seahorses after identification, said: these species were in suitable condition when discovered and thereafter, under the protection of Isfahan Province’s environment authorities, were kept and quarantined under special conditions.
She added: with the necessary coordination, the two seahorses returned to Kish Island on the afternoon of Sunday, 12 Mehr, and are currently kept in a special environment under care so that after expert examinations and necessary procedures, if suitable conditions are confirmed, they will be safely released into their natural habitat.
The Head of the Environment Department of the Kish Free Zone Organization, emphasizing the importance of public participation in the protection of marine species, said: Kish is a tourist destination and the marine species on the island are important and attractive to tourists and environmental enthusiasts, and their protection requires the cooperation of all sectors and the participation of Kish residents, tourists, divers, photographers and environmental activists.
Mohammadi asked photographers and environmental enthusiasts to inform the Environment Department of the location of any observed rare and valuable species and added: if the sale or purchase of such animals is observed, it should also be reported to the environment authorities.
She, regarding the manner of photographing and filming wildlife, said: photographing and filming animal species can help increase public awareness and familiarize people with different species, but animals should not be touched or moved to capture images and should not be removed from their natural habitat.
Mohammadi emphasized: photographers should also refrain from publishing the exact location of special species on social media because announcing the whereabouts of these species can provide an opportunity for profiteers to access them and lead to similar incidents recurring.
In conclusion, she asked Kish residents and tourists that if they observe the buying and selling, transfer or any violation related to wildlife, to report the matter to the Kish Environmental Patrol via the number 09347694796.