Palma Aquarium and Marilles Foundation launch project to protect pipefish

The Pipefish Project will be publicly presented at Palma Aquarium next Thursday, March 27th at 7:00 PM, as part of the free lecture series 'Echoes of the Mediterranean’.

Pipefish, closely related to seahorses, are lesser-known species within the marine ecosystem. Their camouflage and bone structure make them extraordinary, but the lack of data on their distribution and population status places them in a vulnerable situation. In the Mediterranean, between 11 and 13 species of seahorses and pipefish have been identified, of which between 5 and 7 inhabit the Balearic Sea. Many of them are at risk of disappearing due to accidental fishing and habitat degradation. In the Balearics, several species of pipefish are listed as near threatened or vulnerable in the Red Book of the Fishes of the Balearic Islands.

The Pipefish Project aims to recover accidentally captured specimens and develop a breeding program in a controlled artificial environment within Palma Aquarium. The offspring obtained will be cared for until they reach an optimal size and juvenile size maturity to introduce them into their natural habitat, with the goal of reinforcing existing populations.

This project arises from the collaboration of the Palma Aquarium Foundation (a non-profit organization dedicated to conservation, dissemination, and education about the marine world) and Marilles Foundation (a foundation committed to protecting the Balearic Sea, promoting marine conservation and environmental education projects), with the support of the TUI Care Foundation (an international foundation that supports sustainability and conservation initiatives).

In addition to its direct impact on conservation, the project will focus on research and dissemination to expand knowledge about pipefish and raise public awareness of the importance of protecting marine ecosystems. This initiative is another step towards contributing to the recovery of shallow bays and their habitats. Working to mitigate pressures on these bays is essential, as reinforcing pipefish populations only makes sense if the releases of these animals are carried out in an environment suitable for their survival.

Next Thursday, March 27th at 7:00 PM, as part of the free lecture series 'Echoes of the Mediterranean', the "Pipefish Project" will be presented at Palma Aquarium. This session will be open to all those interested in learning more about this innovative conservation project.