Reflections from SyngCo with Miguel Correia, our focal point for field conservation

Miguel Correia, our thematic Focal Point for Field Conservation recently attended SyngCo, a scientific conference dedicated to the conservation and research of seahorses and their relatives in Las Palmas De Gran Canaria.

We caught up with Miguel to hear about his experience and what it meant to represent both the IUCN Seahorse, Pipefish and Seadragon Specialist Group at an international conference.

What is SyngCo, and why is it important for us to be part of it?
SyngCo was a scientific conference dedicated to the conservation and research of syngnathids (seahorses, pipefishes, pipehorses, and seadragons). Developed as an output of the EUROSYNG Project, and organized in collaboration with the Loro Parque Foundation and Acuario Poema del Mar. The event brought together researchers, conservation practitioners, aquariums, and other stakeholders to share scientific advances and discuss key challenges in syngnathid conservation, including population status, citizen science, conservation strategies, and recovery efforts. The conference strongly aligned with the goals of Project Seahorse and the IUCN Seahorse, Pipefish and Seadragon Specialist Group by promoting collaboration, improving knowledge on species status and threats, and advancing evidence-based approaches to the conservation and sustainable management of syngnathid species. 

SyngCo brought together researchers working across population assessments, conservation tools, and recovery efforts. What felt most urgent coming out of those discussions?
Due to the nature of the symposium, SyngCo primarily focused on European species, which may not fully represent the global situation for syngnathids. However, many of the issues discussed are unfortunately common to most syngnathid species. Among those highlighted at the meeting, I would emphasize habitat loss and degradation, along with ongoing climate change, as the main threats to European syngnathids. Considering potential mitigations for these threats is, in my view, of paramount importance.

What does a syngnathid conservation roadmap look like in practice, and what role does our specialist group play?
SyngCo defined some goals for the syngnathid conservation roadmap: to determine the appropriate methods for population assessment, to define the necessary data that can support best practices for human-syngnathid interactions, and to serve as a foundation for the creation of progressive policies and management strategies. The IUCN SPS SG had a strong presence at the event and is actively involved in guiding efforts to achieve these goals.

What key data gaps or priorities for improving conservation came out of the meeting?
SyngCo emphasized the importance of standardizing data collection methods in the field. This standardization is essential for harmonizing data from population survey initiatives, enabling comparisons between different studies, and identifying trends in wild populations to improve conservation planning. Additionally, discussions focused on using conservation translocation initiatives to recover declining populations. The IUCN SPS SG is actively preparing guidance on these matters through documentation to ensure the implementation of best practices.

What is the most important next step for our specialist group following SyngCo?
The IUCN Seahorse, Pipefish, and Seadragon Specialist Group (IUCN SPS SG) is committed to supporting syngnathid conservation initiatives through the extensive expertise of its members. Following SyngCo, a crucial next step for the IUCN SPS SG is to build on the momentum generated by the conference by strengthening collaboration among researchers, conservation practitioners, and partner organizations on a broader scale. This includes expanding knowledge exchange and collaborations through an international meeting (SyngBio) that encompasses all regions of the globe. The goal is to translate the knowledge shared at the meeting into concrete actions, such as improving global assessments of syngnathid species, promoting standardized monitoring approaches, and fostering data sharing across regions. Ultimately, the IUCN SPS SG aims to advance collaborative initiatives that address key threats, support habitat protection, and integrate citizen science and aquarium expertise to further common conservation goals.

What gives you hope right now for syngnathid conservation?
Although the community of syngnathid experts and enthusiasts is small, a new generation is emerging that is eager to contribute to ongoing conservation efforts and lead this movement for years to come. This dedicated group, primarily consisting of members from the IUCN SPS SG, is making an increasingly significant impact on syngnathid conservation globally, positively influencing wild populations.

Was there a standout moment or session during the workshop for you?
The IUCN Red List workshop, led by the Red List Authority Coordinator Elsa Camins, provided a valuable opportunity to clarify the nuances of species extinction risk assessment. It was essential to share the various steps involved in the process and the challenges of reaching a final category given the often-limited data available. The attendees' contributions to finalizing four species assessments were undoubtedly the highlight of the workshop.

Photo credits: © Felipe Ravina

What key innovations or ideas from the conference stayed with you most?
During SyngCo, a set of innovative methods was presented, including the use of eDNA to sample wild syngnathid populations, acoustics to detect specific sounds produced by seahorses as a means of determining their presence, and AI recognition software to assist with species identification in the field. These valuable methods are being driven by bright young researchers who will make a significant impact on the future of syngnathid conservation globally.

In one word, how would you describe your experience at SyngCo?If I were to summarize this trip in one word, it would be "inspiring." Attending this meeting allowed me to be inspired by the ongoing efforts toward syngnathid conservation and to recognize that a new generation of bright and passionate young scientists will be the future champions of this cause.

Reversing the Red for the Estuarine Pipefish by getting the science right

Estuarine Pipefish (Syngnathus watermeyeri) by © Louw Claassens

February 7 marks Reverse the Red Day, part of a global movement focused on halting extinctions, reversing declines on the IUCN Red List, and restoring species through science-based action. For the Estuarine Pipefish (Syngnathus watermeyeri), it’s a reminder that reversing the red doesn’t always come with dramatic interventions, but often begins by getting the science right with research.

Endemic to South Africa and found only in two of the estuaries along the country’s south-east coast, the Estuarine Pipefish has long been considered one of the world’s most threatened syngnathids. First recorded in 1963, it went unseen for more than three decades and was declared Extinct in the mid-1990s. When the species was rediscovered in 1996, it was reclassified as Critically Endangered, a status it carried for many years.

 That began to change as new evidence emerged. In 2024, following a detailed reassessment, the Estuarine Pipefish was reclassified as Endangered, reflecting improved understanding rather than reduced risk. This shift was set in motion in 2019, when a team of researchers from South Africa and Australia, led by Dr Louw Claassens, Research Associate at Rhodes University, and also the Regional Focal Point for Africa for the IUCN Seahorse, Pipefish and Seadragon Specialist Group, set out to improve understanding of the species’ conservation status through targeted ecological research and to develop a Recovery Action Plan.

 
By pulling together historic records, carrying out extensive field surveys, and using innovative environmental DNA (eDNA) to find what was previously missed, the team built a clearer picture of where the species lives, how its populations are faring, what threatens it, and what’s needed to protect its future.  

© Jason Boswell

This story highlights a less visible, but vital, form of conservation. The kind that comes from scientists continuing to ask critical questions about what’s known, and refining understanding as new data come to light.

 “Our work was a powerful reminder that absence from records does not always mean absence from nature. By grounding conservation in objective assessment and robust data, we can make sure our conservation actions are well informed, and that species at risk receive the protection they truly need,” said Dr Louw Claassen.

 Today, the Estuarine Pipefish remains vulnerable to extinction, but it is no longer poorly understood. A newly developed Recovery Action Plan brings together years of research into a clear roadmap outlining the actions needed to reduce extinction risk, protect critical habitats, and safeguard the species’ future.

“With the science now in place and an action plan to guide the conservation actions, there is real reason for hope. This work has given us the foundation for ensuring these estuarine pipefish remain part of South Africa’s estuaries for years to come,” added Claassens.

 Learn more here. 




The funder for this project was National Geographic under their Species on the Brink grant. The work was also made possible by the community of Kenton on Sea!

Introducing “Inspired by #IconicFishes”, a global arts movement for our ocean’s quirkiest fishes

Whether you paint, dance, doodle, weave, write, design jewellery, compose music, build Lego, cut potato prints or create in ways we haven’t imagined yet — this is your invitation to join a joyful, creative arts movement that connects people with conservation.

We are delighted to launch “Inspired by #IconicFishes” — a global arts movement inviting people of all ages, from every part of the world, to celebrate the wondrous lives of truly iconic fishes: seahorses, pipefish, seadragons, and their cousins: ghost pipefish, trumpetfish, cornetfish and bellowsfish.

“As scientists, we know that even the strongest science only makes a difference when it is seen, heard and felt. The arts can help us bridge that gap,” said Prof. Amanda Vincent, Director of Project Seahorse and Chair of the IUCN SSC Seahorse, Pipefish and Seadragon Specialist Group.

Initiated by conservationists at Project Seahorse, and the global expert group on Seahorse, Pipefish and Seadragon conservation, this bold new movement kicks off in advance of World Animal Day (4 October) and will grow for years to come.

 Our #iconicfishes live around the globe and are living ambassadors of our ocean’s health: their charm sparks curiosity and helps shine a light on bigger issues facing our world’s coastal marine ecosystems, such as unsustainable fisheries, habitat loss and climate change.

By creating and/or sharing art inspired by #IconicFishes, we can all bring their stories to a wider audience, giving them the spotlight they deserve.

How to get involved

Whether you’re a student, an artist, a curious individual, part of a community or a member in an organization, we would love your participation in Inspired by #IconicFishes.

Getting started is easy:

• Visit iconicfishes.art/participation to explore our inspiration kit packed with visuals and fun facts about our iconic fishes to spark your creativity.

• Create new art and/or share existing art inspired by iconic fishes on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky or the Fediverse, tagging @iconicfishes with #IconicFishes, so we can find and share your post. Not on social media? Email the art to iconicfishes@projectseahorse.org

• Help us spread the word. Share our resources across your network and inspire even more people to get involved.

“With this initiative, we hope to build and grow a vibrant community where art and science intertwine to touch hearts and inspire action for our iconic fishes and the ocean on which we depend. So, let’s dance, sing, create or craft for these iconic fishes,” urges Prof. Vincent.