Project Seahorse

Seahorses, some of the ocean’s most charming fish, are in trouble. In the past twenty years their populations has declined. They are threatened by overfishing, pollution and climate change. In Handumon in the Philippines, villagers and conservationists have joined to protect the seahorse and the coral reefs where they live. Amanda Vincent and Heather Koldewey, founders of Project Seahorse, work with Filipino colleagues and local fishers like “Digoy” Paden to protect seahorses and the livelihood of local fishing families. Through their efforts the Handumon Marine Protected Area is now a model “underwater park” where marine life is safe from fishing.

The beady black eyes of two seahorses peek out of a hiding place in coral reef. Father seahorse and his mate wrap their monkey—like tails around small branches or coral and sway in the surrent. A tiny shrimplike creature drifits past the male seahorse's trupet—shaped snout. Zoop! Father seahorse slurps up his prey. He needs all the food he can get. Inside the male's bulging pouch is a growing brood of baby seahorses.

School Library Journal

Gr 4—8—Project Seahorse follows the work of two dedicated scientists as they explore the life cycle of the tiger tail seahorse and forge partnerships with the people of Handumon in the Philippines to save its habitat. A full-page color map places the islands in their global context and shows the range of seahorses, animals that scientists know little about. The stunning full-color photographs amplify the descriptions of the creatures' life cycle as the male receives the eggs from the female and nurtures them to maturity in his brood pouch. Dangers to their survival appear not only from marine predators but also from unsustainable practices such as blast-fishing and bottom trawling, two techniques that damage and destroy coral reefs. By showing the scientists at work with local villagers and leaders as well as regional and national government representatives, the author stresses the importance of community-based conservation. The photographs of village children replanting mangrove trees and posing on the Project Seahorse boat reveal how involved the local people became. This book is a great addition to any collection and perfect for seahorse, coral reef, or marine-conservation assignments.—Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA

Pamela S. Turner has a master's degree in public health from the University of California, Berkeley, and a special interest in microbiology and epidemiology. Her articles for children and adults have appeared in numerous scientific publications.

She has also been a legislative aide and an international health consultant. She has written six books so far: HACHIKO: THE TRUE STORY OF A LOYAL DOG, GORILLA DOCTORS (HMH), LIFE ON EARTH, AND BEYOND, A LIFE IN THE WILD, THE FROG SCIENTIST (HMH) and PROWLING THE SEAS

Ms. Turner lives with her family in California.

Pamela S. Turner has a master’s degree in public health from the University of California, Berkeley, and a special interest in microbiology and epidemiology. Her articles for children and adults have appeared in numerous scientific publications. Ms. Turner lives with her family in California.