710374Agglomerate 3D gel matrix and novel mechanism of dietary delivery to the Syngnathidae familyClosedGRD Proof of ConceptInnovate UKMore than 20 million seahorses are and traded worldwide each year and there is every indication that seahorses and members of Syngnathidae, the family also encompassing pipefish and seadragons could be extinct in as little as 10 years. Over fishing as by-catch in trawler nets and loss of habitat are seen as the main culprits. Although the vast majority of these are destined for use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat a variety of disorders, substantial numbers are also taken for the aquarium, curio and food industries. Seahorses prefer to feed on ‘live’ Mysid shrimp for its balanced nutritional profile. Captive breed Mysid is expensive and unsustainable and the use of cheaper frozen Mysid needs to be supplemented with synthetic chemical nutrients. Success in terms of growth, reproduction and health (including vitality and colouration) has not been observed. A new feed and delivery mechanism needs to be developed promptly to improve cultivation success and re-wild natural stocks. New Era Aquaculture (NEA) wishes to prove the technical feasibility and commercial potential of developing a complete dietary feed system for seahorses. NEA proposes formulating naturally derived ingredients within an agglomerate 3D gel matrix. The feed system will have the correct bioavailability and nutritional profile - lipids, vitamins, minerals, fats and free amino acids required by seahorses. Further, seahorses are reserved creatures and there are challenges in stimulating them to the feed, ensuring attraction and consumption with minimal bi-waste. This project is seen as cutting edge innovation by NEA and the aquatic conservation community. Seahorse cultivation is the key to the long term survival of the species in the wild, if demand can be met with cultivated specimens, this would alleviate the huge pressures that are felt by wild populations which are currently being threatened.