Miami, Florida – A recent study reveals that members of the public are actively contributing to research on sea horses, tiny fish found in coral reefs, shallow waters, and estuaries worldwide. The research focused on the outcomes of public participation in the iSeahorse science project from 2013 to 2022 and highlighted the important role of community efforts in advancing scientific knowledge.
According to findings published in the Journal of Fish Biology, citizen scientists provided valuable insights on 10 out of 17 sea horse species, addressing previously lacking data and improving understanding of the geographic distribution of nine species. Some observations even shed light on sea horse breeding behaviors, contributing to a deeper comprehension of these fascinating creatures.
Established in 2013, the iSeahorse project engages the public in documenting sea horse sightings and observing their behaviors. With over 11,000 observations accumulated from more than 1,900 contributors to date, the project has successfully involved a widespread community in sea horse research and conservation efforts.
Researchers were able to validate 7,794 observations from participants in 96 countries, spanning 35 sea horse species. Volunteer observers detected even rare species that traditional monitoring methods may have missed, underscoring the value of public engagement in scientific research.
Heather Koldewey, co-founder of the iSeahorse project and lead on the Bertarelli Foundation’s marine science program, emphasized the significance of community science in advancing knowledge and conservation goals. The study she co-authored highlights the crucial role of public involvement in raising awareness and promoting conservation efforts for sea horses.
For those interested in contributing to sea horse research, visiting the iSeahorse project website can provide more information on how to get involved. The success of community engagement in this study demonstrates the potential for citizen science to drive impactful scientific discoveries and conservation initiatives.