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Home arrow News arrow Lifestyle arrow Project to save seahorses in the Algarve
Project to save seahorses in the Algarve
Seahorses in the AlgarveProject Seahorse, a worldwide project to save this endangered marine animal is looking to create artificial habitat structures in the Ria Formosa national park, which is known to be home to one of the densest seahorse colonies in the world. The aim of this project, which is led by specialists from around the world, including Portugal, is to conserve seahorse populations. Loss of habitat due to dredging and the movement of boats is highlighted as the likely cause for the decline in seahorse populations in the Ria Formosa, which have reduced by 85 percent since 2000.

An initiative to install artificial structures in the Ria Formosa is aimed at helping seahorses live in areas where it is difficult for them normally to live. These marine animals prefer to live in underwater prairies where their eggs are covered.

According to Miguel Correia, a marine biologist from Project Seahorse, these marine creatures are very sedentary and normally cling onto things such as shells, buoys or underwater traps to stop themselves from being swept away by the currents.

“The structure, which will be made of metal so as not to release any toxic substances into the environment, will be tested in a laboratory,” he told Lusa News Agency.

Seahorses have an average life expectancy of between three and five years, growing up to 16 centimetres and are able to camouflage themselves to deceive predators.

Project Seahorse’s proposal will be implemented in partnership with the University of the Algarve’s Sea Science Centre (CCMAR) and the Ria Formosa Natural Park.

For more information about Project Seahorse, please visit the website, available in English at www.projectseahorse.org.

source: http://www.theportugalnews.com

 
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