Promoting action on broad ocean challenges by delving into the past, present and future of European syngnathids

Seahorses and pipefish belong to the teleost family Syngnathidae. They have a unique mode of reproduction, with a male pregnancy.

According to the IUCN´s red list, there are 18 species of syngnathids in European waters, of which 55% are data deficient and 83% population status is unknown.

In EUROSYNG, we will help European countries comply with the requirements of an IUCN resolution by estimating the population status of these species in Europe.

We will study their distributions in the past, present and future, measure today´s population health by comparing museum data to population estimates.

Sequencing of 5,000 individuals of species with both existing and de novo genomes, will provide important insights into health status, connectivity and migration potential of European syngnatid populations.

Our data will allow existing marine protected areas to be evaluated and new areas to be created that mitigate effects of climate change.

With seahorses as flagship species, we take advantage of the public´s spontaneous delight in them, to increase their knowledge of the sea, conservation issues, effects of climate change, and interest in citizen science. We will develop tools that support blue economy, including nature tourism.

EUROSYNG brings together specialists with complementary expertise from 7 European countries and a wide range of partner stakeholders.

Our project will collect data valuable for all participating countries, IUCN and EU, and help EU to address its 30x30 goals.