The seahorse, one of the most iconic fish in our oceans, is both a symbol and an emblem of underwater fauna. Its unique appearance and mysterious habits have made it a subject of fascination for centuries and the species also holds a special place in my own memories. I recall my father telling me how abundant they were years ago in the waters of the Adriatic Sea, where dozens could be found stranded on the shore every morning. From this memory, the seed of this story was born: a story of conservation, passion, and dedication.

Seahorses were abundant and a regular part of the marine landscape of the Adriatic Sea. However, over the decades, human activities such as industrial development, habitat destruction, and the overexploitation of fishery resources have taken their toll and have drastically reduced their numbers. Once a symbol of the sea’s vitality, seahorses have become an emblem of vulnerability. Often underestimated due to its murky waters and shallow, sandy seabeds, the Adriatic Sea is a treasure trove of biodiversity as the region remains home to a variety of marine life, including two seahorse species: the long-snouted seahorse (Hippocampus guttulatus) and the short-snouted seahorse (Hippocampus hippocampus).

To counteract the decline of seahorses in the region, a group of young biologists has created CESTHA or Centro Sperimentale per la Tutela degli Habitat, an internationally recognised marine wildlife rescue centre in Italy’s Marina di Ravenna which focuses on the recovery and rehabilitation of marine life, dealing with everything from sharks to seahorses to sea turtles (it’s considered the largest and most active recovery centre for sea turtles in the Mediterranean). It further focuses on the restoration of degraded habitats, the promotion of sustainable fishing practices, and monitoring the impact of fishing on protected species. The organisation also works on restocking native fish species and raises environmental awareness through educational programmes and scientific research.

CESTHA’s work focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation, and reintroduction of marine animals. The centre’s collaboration with local fishermen has been a key factor in its success. A virtuous synergy has emerged over the years, resulting in an increase in the number of animals recovered, cared for, and returned to their natural habitat. Fishermen who accidentally catch seahorses in their nets or ‘cogolli’, a traditional fishing tool, now deliver them to the researchers at the centre instead of discarding them as bycatch. “We are happy to be involved in this activity. When communication and collaboration are strong, and the commitment is sustainable and compatible with fishing, it works well for everyone,” says a local fisherman.

Each week, dozens of seahorses are brought to the centre. These individuals are kept in aquariums for a short time to recover where they’re also marked or tagged before being released. The innovative marking process is a testament to modern conservation science and involves injecting a small amount of fluorescent elastomer under the skin. This non-toxic, harmless material acts like a tattoo which is visible only under ultraviolet light. It allows researchers to track the seahorses’ movements and population dynamics, providing valuable data for conservation efforts and identifying critical habitats that could be designated as marine sanctuaries. The marking process is carried out with precision. Researchers use blue-violet lamps to illuminate the seahorses’ bodies, ensuring the elastomer is injected accurately. Once marked, the seahorses are released into carefully selected areas with sandy or muddy bottoms and abundant algae. These habitats provide ideal conditions for their survival and camouflage. Linda Albonetti, a marine biologist at CESTHA, emphasises the delicate process of handling seahorses during the tagging process: “Like all fish, seahorses breathe through their gills. Therefore, it’s very important that all stages of tagging are carried out quickly, keeping the seahorses submerged in water as much as possible. The recovery phase by fishermen is also critical; they have learned to maintain the correct number of seahorses in each container to prevent overcrowding, reduce stress on the animals, and support proper respiration.”