News
Kenna Eco Diving Seahorse Project
Why study seahorses?
Seahorses are strange and mythical creatures that have many unique characteristics. They are classed as “Data Deficient” in CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) because they are very challenging to study in the wild and there is much that we do not know about their secretive lives.
Seahorses represent habitats that need protection and help to advance marine conservation, serving as excellent flagship species for a wide range of marine conservation issues.
Threatened by overexploitation
Seahorses are exploited world-wide in their millions for use in Chinese medicine, as curios, snacks, and for the aquarium trade. In Hong Kong they sell for $550 per pound, and the illegal trade is so lucrative that smuggled stashes worth many thousands of dollars on the black market are discovered regularly.
The male brooding that is a unique characteristic of seahorses means that the young depend on parental survival for far longer than in most fish. They are mainly monogamous, at least during a season, and widowed animals don’t reproduce until they find a new partner. Their low population density means that lost partners are not quickly replaced. Seahorses are poor swimmers. Low adult mobility and small home ranges restrict recolonization of depleted areas.
Seahorses comprise one genus (Hippocampus) of the family Syngnathidae, which means “fused jaw”. Pipefish and seahorses diverged during the Late Oligocene. Hippos means “horse” and Campus means “sea-monster.”
Seahorses’ unique characteristics include a horse-like head, independently moving eyes, like a chameleon; a brood pouch, called a marsupium, in which the male nourishes the developing young. With their ability to change colour they are masters of camouflage and have filaments that they can grow and reabsorb that help them to blend into the background. Seahorses have no scales, but bony plates under the skin. The prehensile tail is made up of bony plates that can slide across each other to withstand the crushing force of a bird or turtle beak. This amazing design of nature is now being studied for use in body armour and robotics. In fact, the only similarity to other fish is having gills and fins (which oscillate at 35 to 70 beats per second!).
There are 54 recognised species of seahorses within the genus Hippocampus, mostly in tropical seas. In Europe we have only two species: Hippocampus hippocampus and Hippocampus guttulatus. They are classified as “Near Threatened” on the Mediterranean Red List.
Breeding
Breeding is controlled by several factors, the most obvious being the availability of a mate. Some of the females in the Kenna Eco Diving Seahorse Project study area seem to lack a mate and, due to the monogamy of seahorses, are unlikely to find one. Lone females have been seen to travel a hundred square meters, over the course of a week, in search of a mate.
Males have a home range of just a few square meters and mated females have a larger, overlapping territory.
Seahorses perform a daily greeting ritual that reinforces the pair bond.
The number of hours of daylight controls female egg production and male incubation period, with seawater temperature having a reinforcing effect. Seahorse eggs are 5 times bigger and 10 times heavier than other marine fish eggs.
Captive breeding success
Following a decade of research in Spain and Portugal, the European Spiny seahorse is now being bred in captivity with a 90% survival rate. This is a much higher survival rate than in the wild, and aquarium specimens should now all be captive bred.
However, they cannot be released to repopulate the sea until habitat destruction and illegal fishing is prevented. Seahorses are naturally predated upon by Octopus, Scorpionfish, Turtles and Sea birds. But the greatest predator is man!
Seahorse fry spend their first few weeks as part of the plankton, where they are eaten by pelagic species, until the survivors settle into the safety of the seagrass. Less than 1% live to reach adulthood.
Feeding
The horses head shape evolved for pivot feeding to give greater reach and eliminate wake to catch their tiny but very quick copepod prey unawares. Seahorses have a 1 millisecond strike and a 90% catch rate. The independent eyes allow them to focus on prey whilst also keeping an eye out for predators. Food is sucked in through the snout. They have no teeth or stomach, so food has to be easily digestible. Adults eat 70 copepods (Mysis shrimp) per day. Seahorse fry eat thousands during their pelagic stage.
Kenna Eco Diving Seahorse Project
This project is studying the two European species of seahorses that live in the Mediterranean Sea: Hippocampus hippocampus and Hippocampus guttulatus.
Field research is challenging due to several issues. Seahorses are very hard to spot due to their amazing camouflaging abilities. Finding sparse populations is very difficult. In fact, I spent 15 years searching before finding a pair by accident!
They are shy and easily stressed. Therefore excellent buoyancy control is required to avoid disturbing them. Volunteers with Kenna Eco Diving practice buoyancy exercises before being allowed to visit “Seahorse City”, the nickname given to our study area.
In order to identify and monitor individuals we take macro photos using only ambient light. This is because seahorses are especially sensitive to light. They carry dormant diseases that can take hold if they become stressed. We have to gather data without disturbing them.
During our 2014 research season 28 individuals were catalogued, each with ID photographs and a fitting name. Mr Itchy was christened because of his use of his tail in a strange scratching behaviour*. It was suspected that he was suffering from one of the skin diseases that can cause a rapid death. Fortunately the behaviour ceased after several weeks and he was still around at the end of summer before the group moved off to over-winter deeper in the shelter of the Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadow.
Meet Mr Itchy in this video:
[youtube id=”lqITwF3yYBI” width=”100%” height=”400px”]
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
Blogs
Dive into Adventure at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa: The Ultimate Diving Destination in the Maldives
Tucked away in the remote northern Haa Alifu Atoll, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a premier destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable underwater experience. With over 30 dive sites to explore, divers of all levels can witness the unique and mesmerising beauty of the underwater world. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or new to the sport, Hideaway offers an exceptional diving adventure that is not to be missed.
Explore the Beauty Beneath the Surface
Hideaway is perfectly situated near some of the most spectacular dive sites in the Maldives. The dive school and team at Hideaway offer a very personalised experience to ensure each diver gets an interactive, immersive experience.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Unique dive spots such as Theefaridhoo Thila (Heaven and Hell) as one of the 50 best dive sites in the whole of the Maldives, known for its beautiful soft coral gardens.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
As the resort is located next to a channel which gives guests surprise visits from eagle rays, manta rays, guitar sharks and more.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
One of the standout features of diving in the Haa Alifu Atoll is the abundance of rare and exotic marine species. The area is known for sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and a variety of colorful reef fish. Diving at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers a rare opportunity to encounter these creatures in their natural habitat, creating lifelong memories for guests.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Whether you’re exploring deep coral gardens, dramatic overhangs, or vibrant reef walls, each dive offers something new and exciting. The visibility in the Maldives is exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters, making it ideal for both underwater photography and general exploration.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Diving for All Levels
At Hideaway, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the thrill of diving. That’s why we cater to divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. Our professional dive center, led by expert instructors, offers a range of courses and guided dives. If you’re new to diving, you can start with an introductory course that will teach you the basics of scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
For more experienced divers, we offer advanced dive courses and guided excursions to some of the more challenging dive sites. Our instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about the local marine life, ensuring that every dive is not only safe but also informative and enjoyable.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Exclusive Diving Offer
To make your stay even more unforgettable, Hideaway is offering an exclusive diving package designed to enhance your experience both above and below the water. When you book a minimum 7-night stay, you’ll receive:
- 35% discount on room rates.
- Complimentary diving: 3 dives per person for 2 guests, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Maldives underwater world.
- Free meal plan upgrade: enjoy a complimentary upgrade from Bed & Breakfast to Half Board, or from Half Board to Full Board. Guests who prefer the White Platinum Plan (WPP) can avail it at a discounted rate.
This incredible offer provides the perfect opportunity to experience world-class diving while enjoying all the luxury and comfort that Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is known for.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Combinable Offers for Even More Value
This diving offer can also be combined with our Anniversary and Honeymoon offers, allowing you to create the perfect celebration package. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a romantic getaway, this offer ensures that you can enjoy the best of both worlds – luxurious accommodations and unforgettable diving adventures.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Terms & Conditions
- This offer is available exclusively for bookings made through the official Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa website using a specific booking code.
- The offer cannot be combined with other promotions available on the website or through other channels, nor can it be redeemed for cash.
- All dives are subject to weather conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- Black-out dates: This offer is not available from 24th December 2024 to 9th January 2025.
To book this exquisite offer, use the Promo Code: SCUBA24FD
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Hideaway is not just a resort; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, adventure, and luxury. With spacious villas, private pools, and world-class dining options, the resort offers everything you need for a perfect holiday. From tennis, golf, gym, cycling to the exquisite underwater activities, unique dining options, Hideaway has something for everyone. And for diving enthusiasts, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Our dive center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, ensuring that every dive is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Our instructors are passionate about the underwater world and are eager to share their knowledge with you, whether it’s your first dive or your 100th.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
The Ultimate Dive Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking for an unforgettable diving holiday in the Maldives, look no further than Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. With over 30 dive sites, unique marine life, and exclusive offers, we provide the ultimate underwater experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking adventure, our diving package offers exceptional value and incredible memories.
Book now through our official website to take advantage of this exclusive offer and prepare for the dive adventure of a lifetime.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Call: +960 650-1515
Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
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