DID YOU KNOW THAT SEAHORSES CAN BE FOUND IN SINGAPORE'S WATERS?
Did you know that seahorses can be found in our very own waters? If you have always been fascinated by these underwater creatures, here’s what you might want to know about Singapore’s conservation efforts!
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AUTHOR: Angelina Thng
Seahorses are perhaps one of the most unique and fascinating underwater creatures you can find under the sea. Their anatomy and physiology, in particular, are specifically adapted to their lifestyle, with some of their more distinctive features being a protective bony exoskeleton exterior, a protruding long and thin tube-shaped snout, independently moving eyes capable of seeing 360 degrees around them, a head shape reminiscent of a horse, a brood pouch in which fertilised eggs are stored and a prehensile tail—essentially a tail that has adapted to grasp or hold objects, which in this case, allows them to anchor their bodies to the ocean bed or to aquatic plants like seaweed, seagrass, and corals as well as other objects.
Seahorses’ respiratory systems, too, are remarkable in that unlike fishes, they don’t actually have gills through which they extract dissolved oxygen from water and release carbon dioxide, instead relying on the gill holes on their heads to suck water in and out. Simply put, water travels over their gill-like organs which do the job of extracting oxygen from water and emitting carbon dioxide. Even more interestingly, they do not have a true stomach, but rather a simple digestive tube or tract through which food passes quickly and they absorb their needed nutrients. This swift digestive process allows seahorses to survive in the wild since they can eat a lot of food quickly.
Much like chameleons, these small, armoured creatures can even change their skin color and pattern to conceal their presence from both potential predators and prey! This helps them thrive in tropical and temperate shallow coastal waters they inhabit, with their usual habitat consisting of coral reefs, mangroves, sea grass beds, and estuaries.
It may be a pleasant surprise to hear that Singapore’s shores are home to a variety of seahorse species! Unfortunately, our seahorses are currently extremely vulnerable to the variety of threats that have presented themselves in recent years, some of which include pollution, and the destruction of the seagrass beds which serve as the cornerstone of their homes. Add to that the rampant issue of overfishing, characterized by the accidental entrapment of seahorses in fishing nets in addition to the illegal wildlife trade and it seems that they may be in danger of declining in population in the long term.
What has Singapore done to protect and preserve these seahorse species? Realising the importance of seahorse conservation, we have implemented several initiatives to safeguard these wondrous but delicate marine animals. Here are some key efforts:
1. MARINE PROTECTED AREAS (MPAs)
Singapore has established several Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), including Sisters' Islands Marine Park, which provide protected environments for marine life, including seahorses. These areas restrict certain activities to conserve biodiversity and allow seahorses to thrive.
2. RESEARCH AND MONITORING
Research institutions, such as the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the National Parks Board (NParks), conduct studies to better understand seahorse populations, behavior, and habitat requirements. These efforts help identify areas of concern and inform conservation strategies.
3. HABITAT RESTORATION
Habitat loss is a significant threat to seahorses. To combat this, Singapore has undertaken habitat restoration projects to enhance coastal ecosystems. Mangrove replanting and seagrass bed restoration programs help provide suitable habitats for seahorses and other marine organisms.
4. PUBLIC EDUCATION AND AWARENESS
Public outreach programs are crucial for promoting seahorse conservation. NParks, together with various NGOs and educational institutions, organize workshops, exhibitions, and guided tours to raise awareness about seahorse conservation and the importance of protecting marine ecosystems.
5. LAW ENFORCEMENT
Singapore has strict regulations and laws against illegal wildlife trade, including seahorses. The Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) enforces these laws to prevent the smuggling and trade of seahorses and other protected species.
6. COLLABORATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS
Singapore actively collaborates with regional and international organizations to exchange knowledge and best practices in seahorse conservation. This includes partnerships with conservation groups, research institutions, and government bodies to develop comprehensive conservation strategies.
Collectively, these efforts aim to safeguard seahorse populations and their habitats in Singapore. By implementing conservation measures, raising awareness, and enforcing regulations, Singapore plays a vital role in preserving these charismatic marine creatures and maintaining the ecological balance of its waters.
To discover how local communities in other countries are coming together to save seahorses living in the Algarve’s lagoons, do pick up our recent BBC Earth issue (Volume 15 Issue 03) and read the article which spans from pages 38-43.
Topic: Nature
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