ICYMI: iSeahorse and You—Improving Seahorse Science Together

Thanks to thousands of community scientists using the iSeahorse program (a part of iNaturalist), researchers from Project Seahorse (UBC and ZSL)* have significantly expanded scientific knowledge of seahorses. By analyzing nearly 7,800 validated sightings across 96 countries for 36 species (from 2013–2022), researchers discovered:
  • New habitats, and depth records for many species – 80% of species were found in new habitats.
  • Extended breeding seasons for nine species, including year-round breeding in tropical and some Northern Hemisphere Asian species.
  • Significant range expansions for species like Hippocampus colemani and H. satomiae.
  • Even widely studied species, such as the tiger tail seahorse (H. comes), were found outside previously known ranges.

These findings are shaping updates to the IUCN Red List and highlighting the power of community science in marine conservation. The project underscores how public contributions can bridge data gaps for cryptic species like seahorses and support global conservation efforts.

Learn more here: https://projectseahorse.org/citizen-scientists-contribute-vital-information/

*UBC and ZSL - The University of British Columbia, Canada and the Zoological Society of London, U.K.