Seahorses Discovered In The River Thames
By Matt J. Weiss, April 9, 2008 @ 02:00 AM (EST)
Source: newscientist.com
Marine biologists believe seahorses could be breeding in the UK's River Thames as the water becomes cleaner.
About five short-snouted seahorses (Hippocampus hippocampus) have been spotted during routine conservation surveys over the last year or so, leading scientists to think they have probably established a resident population.
The news has been kept secret until now because the seahorse has not been protected by law. But beginning on Monday, the marine creature and its environment will have protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
The seahorse has been spotted near Dagenham, Tilbury and Southend. It is thought to be mainly a salt water creature, usually found in shallow muddy waters, estuaries or seagrass beds, so it is not clear how far up the Thames it will go.
About five short-snouted seahorses (Hippocampus hippocampus) have been spotted during routine conservation surveys over the last year or so, leading scientists to think they have probably established a resident population.
The news has been kept secret until now because the seahorse has not been protected by law. But beginning on Monday, the marine creature and its environment will have protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
The seahorse has been spotted near Dagenham, Tilbury and Southend. It is thought to be mainly a salt water creature, usually found in shallow muddy waters, estuaries or seagrass beds, so it is not clear how far up the Thames it will go.
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