Pipefish and Seahorse Survey

One of the things we want divers to concentrate on recording this year is pipefish and seahorses. In recent years there have been big increases in populations of snake pipefish around our coasts and records of seahorses have also increased. We want to get as good a picture as we can by recording when, where and how may of each are seen by divers.

The two main pipefishes we see are snake pipefish and greater pipefish. Both are often found in shallow waters amongst seaweeds, as are our two seahorses. If in doubt as to which species you are seeing take a photograph without disturbing them and send it to us. There will be a prize for the best image submitted during the year.

Greater Pipefish photograph by Chris Wood

Snake Pipefish photograph by Steve Trewhella

For more information about pipefish and seahorses and to download a recording form visit the Seasearch dedicated pipefish pages at http://www.seasearch.co.uk/pipefish.htm