Seahorse Numbers To Be Monitored

November 23, 2004

Release from: ABC News Online (Australia)

This summer's breeding season for seahorses will be closely monitored in Tasmania.

There has been a 75 per cent decline in some seahorse populations in recent years.

It is not clear why seahorse numbers in the Derwent Estuary have fallen so dramatically.

Keith Martin-Smith is a scientist with the international conservation group, Project Seahorse.

He says invasive pests like the north Pacific sea star could be disrupting the food chain.

Another problem in the Derwent is that female seahorses now outnumber the males by six to one.

That is concerning because it is the males that give birth.

Dr Martin-Smith says other seahorse colonies on the east coast and in the north are also being monitored.

It is hoped funding can be secured to enable a more thorough investigation.