SCUBAHUB
PHOTO : NEIL GARRICK-MAIDMENT , THE SEAHORSE TRUST
Restoration reef yields rare seahorse
A RARE SPECIES OF SEAHORSE HAS been reported by a team of divers during an underwater survey in the Solent .
The spiny seahorse , Hippocampus histrix , was discovered as the dive team , which included members of BSAC ’ s Operation Oyster project , were surveying Solent ’ s first native oyster restoration reef in Langstone Harbour .
Spiny seahorses are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in the UK and , although data on the number of this species present in UK waters is scant , spiny seahorses were previously listed as ‘ vulnerable to extinction ’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature .
The oyster reef , where the spiny seahorse was spotted , was constructed in September 2021 as part of the Blue Marine Foundation ’ s Solent Oyster Restoration Project . The project is a major step in the UK ocean conservation charity ’ s aim to restore native oysters to the Solent – once the site of the largest oyster fishery in Europe .
Louise MacCallum , Solent Project Manager for the Blue Marine Foundation , said : “ I ’ ve been working with marine wildlife in the Solent for more than a decade , and this is the first time I have ever seen this incredible species of fish in our waters .”
The Blue Marine Foundation is also a partner with Operation Oyster , the BSAC project created to help protect and restore the UK ’ s vulnerable native oyster species .
Andy Hunt , who led the Vectis Expeditions dive team that surveyed the reef , said : “ We were on a BSAC Operation Oyster mission , and we were all very surprised that one of the team saw a seahorse ! I initially assumed the diver was describing a pipefish until I received an email with the photograph to the contrary .”
The Blue Marine Foundation has plans to build further oyster restoration reefs across the Solent region , forming a network of protected sites where native oysters can flourish and benefit the Solent ecosystem .
Get inspired : BSAC ’ s webinar library
WITH UK DIVING TAKING A BACKSEAT for many of us over the winter months , now could be the time to catch up on BSAC ’ s webinar library and get inspired about your next diving season .
BSAC ’ s webinar programme was originally launched during the pandemic to help keep members engaged in their diving and membership while they
12 couldn ’ t get into the water . Created by a team of knowledgeable and experienced volunteers , the webinar programme has continued post-pandemic and has proved extremely popular with both clubs and members . As well as a programme of live events , past webinars are now archived into an easily accessible online library . And with subjects ranging from diver training theory , through to special interest subjects , marine conservation and wreck guides , there is something for everyone . So , whether it ’ s to re-watch a webinar or catch up on any you have missed , all members can take advantage of this invaluable resource .
To browse or view past webinars , go to the online library at bsac . com / catchup