The White’s Seahorse, measuring around 15 cm, is a distinctive marine species currently listed as endangered. These remarkable creatures have been disappearing from Australian waters, particularly in New South Wales, where a study indicated a staggering 90% population decline over a five-year span between 2009 and 2015. Alarmingly, a lack of comprehensive research on White’s Seahorse populations in Queensland hinders scientists from accurately assessing their numbers and status.
University of Queensland PhD candidate Rowan Carew aims to fill this research void. According to Carew, the decline of the White’s Seahorse could signal broader environmental issues within Australia’s marine ecosystems, as they serve as important indicator species. In NSW, White’s Seahorses are typically found in areas near swim nets and soft corals, making them relatively easier to study. However, in Queensland, they inhabit extensive seagrass habitats, which complicates research efforts.
Recent adverse events, such as Cyclone Alfred and several years of flooding, have raised concerns about the potential threats these seahorses face from habitat loss due to environmental degradation, coastal development, and other human activities. Carew emphasises that understanding the White’s Seahorse population in Queensland is crucial for initiating conservation programmes that could help prevent their extinction.
To enhance research efforts, scientists are enlisting the help of citizen scientists. They are calling on divers and snorkellers to report sightings of White’s Seahorses, capturing photos and sharing this information with the research team. This collaborative approach not only contributes valuable data but also fosters community engagement with marine conservation.
Carew notes that successful programs in NSW, such as breeding and the installation of artificial habitats, have helped stabilise local populations. She hopes similar initiatives can be replicated in Queensland, advocating for enhanced conservation measures to protect the White’s Seahorse from further decline. This research is vital to ensure this unique marine species, emblematic of Australia’s rich biodiversity, has a fighting chance for survival.