This project was born in l’Estartit with the aim of studying the populations of seahorses and pipefish, two species of the Syngnathidae family, which often go unnoticed but are very valuable indicators of the health of coastal ecosystems.
The pioneering initiative brings together science, conservation, and sustainable tourism to study and preserve these fascinating marine creatures that inhabit the waters off our coasts. Their natural habitat, composed of seagrass meadows and artificial structures such as cuttlefish nurseries or the outer breakwaters protecting ports, provides an ideal environment for scientific study and responsible diving.
The project has been developed through a collaboration between several local actors: the Confraria de Pescadors de l’Estartit, diving centers in the area, researchers, and marine conservation organizations, with the support of the Costa Brava Fisheries Local Action Group and European funding. Together, they work to create a network of knowledge and participation centered on marine biodiversity.
Responsible diving and citizen science: the power of collaboration
One of the unique aspects of the project is its focus on citizen science. This means that divers and enthusiasts can actively participate in data collection during dives, following an established protocol that allows them to identify and record the observed species. During the pilot phase, more than 25 dives were carried out in the Bay of Pals and off l’Estartit, in areas between 6 and 8 meters deep.
The initial results have been very positive, with the detection of several species of seahorses (Hippocampus hippocampus and Hippocampus guttulatus) and pipefish (Syngnathus rostellatus and Syngnathus acus), including a species that is uncommon in the area. These findings confirm the high ecological value of this environment and demonstrate how collaboration between scientists, fishermen, and divers can produce tangible results for marine conservation.
Diversifying tourism and protecting our seabed
The Seahorses Project not only has a scientific dimension but also a tourist and educational one. One of its objectives is to redistribute diving tourism by creating new attractive and sustainable dive sites that help reduce pressure on iconic areas such as the Medes Islands. In this way, responsible blue tourism is promoted, highlighting marine richness without putting it at risk.
Moreover, the project aims to be reproducible in other areas of the Costa Brava, creating a network of study sites that allow comparisons of the evolution of seahorse and pipefish populations in different habitats. This can become a very useful tool for planning conservation actions and promoting a sustainable and participatory marine management model.
From the Club Nàutic Estartit, we support and promote this initiative because we firmly believe that the future of the sea depends on our collective involvement. Every small gesture, a responsible dive, a recorded data point, or an awareness-raising action, contributes to the protection of our environment. The sea offers us a world full of life, mystery, and beauty. The Seahorses Project in l’Estartit is a unique opportunity to better understand and preserve it.