April is citizen science month, and we’re shining a spotlight on iSeahorse, Project Seahorse’s global community science platform that encourages ocean enthusiasts to report seahorse sightings and help fill critical research gaps.
Since its launch, we have gained over 20,000 observations spanning nearly 100 countries and representing 40 of the 46 known charismatic seahorse species, all made possible by over 3,900 iSeahorse champions around the world. Together, these sightings have become the most powerful global data sets for addressing gaps in seahorse distribution, behaviour and conservation status.
Here are three success stories on how seahorse sightings have helped turn iSeahorse observations into data, and data into insights for conservation.
Advances in life-history knowledge of 35 species
Project Seahorse researcher Elsa Camins, analysed over 7,700 iSeahorse observations from 96 countries, generating new insights into the life-history and habitat use of 35 seahorse species. Thanks to the dedication of community scientists around the world, seahorses are now being documented in previously unknown habitats, across expanded geographic ranges, and at greater ocean depths than ever recorded before.
Today, these findings are directly informing global conservation status updates and extinction-risk assessments (IUCN Red List), helping scientists and policymakers better understand where seahorses live and how best to protect them.“Beyond the data, iSeahorse reflects a shared curiosity around these magical fishes,” said Elsa Camins, Project Seahorse research biologist and the Red List Authority Coordinator for the IUCN Seahorse, Pipefish and Seadragon Specialist Group. “That curiosity is helping generate new scientific insights while strengthening the link between people and conservation.”
Read the full paper: Advances in life-history knowledge for 35 seahorse species from community science
New insights on seahorses of Tampa Bay
In partnership with Tampa Bay Watch, a non-profit organisation based in Florida, USA, we led a five-year, community-driven initiative to monitor two local seahorse species: the lined seahorse (Hippocampus erectus) and the dwarf seahorse (Hippocampus zosterae).Through this initiative, we found new insights on seahorse population trends and reproductive behaviour.
Findings revealed an extended breeding season for both species and documented the first recorded body-length measurements for the dwarf seahorse, filling a critical gap in scientific knowledge for one of the world’s smallest seahorse species.These insights are helping researchers better understand how seahorses use coastal habitats and how local conservation actions can support their long-term survival.
Read the full paper: Harnessing community science for seahorse population monitoring: insights from the iSeahorse programme in Tampa Bay
From community science to Marine Protected Area
Seahorse sightings reported through the iSeahorse project helped us identify a seahorse “hot spot” in the Philippines. We shared these findings with local community members and worked closely with them to understand what the data showed and how they could be used. Our discussions led to the establishment of a new Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Anda, Bohol, as well as the expansion of another nearby MPA, showing how community science can directly support local marine conservation action.
“iSeahorse proves that community science can meaningfully shape marine conservation. These observations help ensure seahorses are considered in ocean management decisions…where it matters most,” said Prof. Amanda Vincent, Co-founder and Director, Project Seahorse.
Each new sighting helps build a clearer picture of where seahorses live, how they use their habitats, and how best to protect them. If you spot one underwater, don’t forget to snap a photo and share your sighting with the iSeahorse project on iNaturalist.
Learn more at www.iseahorse.org
