1,517 Seahorses Enter Balearic Protected Waters

A project to rebuild seahorse numbers has introduced 1,517 animals into protected marine areas across the Balearic Islands, including Sites of Community Interest. In a statement issued in Palma on 17 September, Banca March and Fundación Palma Aquarium said they had carried out the work through their Caballitos de mar Baleares project.

The scheme began in 2022 to help two seahorse species found naturally in the Mediterranean. Their populations have fallen sharply over recent decades, according to the partners.

The two organisations renewed their agreement in March 2026 for a further two years. The next phase will continue research and recovery work, while a veterinary specialist in marine fauna has joined the team and new biosecurity procedures have been introduced to improve the animals’ welfare.

The project says it has reached more than 3.4 million people. More than 660 copies of a children’s book about seahorses have also gone to schools across the Balearics.

Mediterranean Fund supports the initiative by donating 10% of its management fee to projects protecting marine biodiversity and the environment.

Topics: Nature & wildlife · Sea & coast · Palma

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com