Swimming nets have positive effects on populations of the endangered White's seahorseHippocampus whitei

Abstract

Habitat degradation and destruction arising from rapidly increasing urbanization represents one of the most significant threats to biodiversity. Human populations are continuing to increase around coastal regions, and as marine habitats are displaced by artificial structures it is important to understand how marine species may be impacted by these changes in habitat availability. The endangered seahorse Hippocampus whitei has been observed inhabiting protective swimming nets in Sydney Harbour, Sydney, Australia, even in the presence of natural habitats. This study tested whether the presence of a swimming net results in increased seahorse numbers at sites around Sydney Harbour, or whether se..