A total of 70 seahorses have been released along the coasts of Mallorca thanks to the “Cavallets de mar balears” (Balearic Seahorses) project, led by the Palma Aquarium Foundation and Banca March. The releases took place on 1 and 3 October at Cala Figuera (Calvià) and Cabo Salines (Colònia de Sant Jordi). With this action, the project has now reached 1,517 seahorses reintroduced into the Balearic Sea, helping to strengthen wild populations of this iconic species.

Seahorses

Photos: Palma Aquarium Foundation.

A project to restore Mediterranean seahorses

Seahorses (Hippocampus spp.) are key indicators of marine ecosystem health, although they are very vulnerable. The “Cavallets de mar balears” project, launched in March 2022, aims to facilitate the breeding of these species in a controlled environment within the Palma Aquarium. Afterward, the individuals are reintroduced into their natural habitat to strengthen Mediterranean populations.

The initiative seeks to reinforce the two most common species, Hippocampus hippocampus and Hippocampus guttulatus, whose populations have declined by 25% to 30% over recent decades.

Release in protected areas of Calvià and Colònia de Sant Jordi

On 1 October, the technical team from Palma Aquarium moved 66 common seahorses (Hippocampus hippocampus) to Port Portals. Then, on 3 October, they transported 3 Hippocampus guttulatus individuals and one breeding female to Colònia de Sant Jordi Port. From there, the animals were embarked on the zero-emission electric sailboat Galaxie Stenella, operated by TrueWorld. The diving centre Sietemares provided the necessary equipment for the immersion.

The seahorses, born and raised at Palma Aquarium, stayed under specialised care for between one and one-and-a-half years. Upon reaching a size of around 12 centimetres, they were deemed ready to survive in the wild.

The release sites —Cala Figuera and Cabo Salines— are designated as Sites of Community Importance (SCI).
These areas, designated by the European Union, protect natural habitats and marine species and support Mediterranean biodiversity.

Sustainable funding through Banca March’s Mediterranean Fund

The “Cavallets de mar balears” project is funded by the Mediterranean Fund, a sustainable and socially responsible investment fund managed by March A.M., the asset manager of the Banca March Group. The fund allocates 10% of its management fee to marine conservation projects. It also invests in sectors linked to the blue economy and sustainable water management. In this way, it combines financial performance with environmental commitment, in line with the Joint Growth philosophy that defines Banca March.