Saving “Mr. Mom”: Atmosphere Dive Joins the iSeahorse Philippine Program
Atmosphere Dive is proud to announce our participation in the iSeahorse initiative, an international citizen-science and conservation program led by the Zoological Society of London and supported locally by the Philippine Seahorse Program. This collaboration focuses on gathering essential data about wild seahorses, affectionately known as “Mr. Mom” for their unique male pregnancy behavior, in order to better understand and protect these remarkable animals.
Why Seahorses Matter
Seahorses (Hippocampus spp.) are among the most distinctive and beloved marine creatures, but they play an important ecological role as well. Living in seagrass beds, mangroves, and coral reefs, they act as indicators of ecosystem health: where seahorses thrive, the surrounding habitat is usually in good shape. Unfortunately, many seahorse species are under pressure due to habitat loss, pollution, destructive fishing practices, and exploitation for traditional medicine and the aquarium trade. Several species are listed as Vulnerable or Endangered under the IUCN Red List, and their populations are declining in many parts of the world.
What Is iSeahorse?
iSeahorse is a global platform that empowers divers, snorkelers, scientists, and ocean enthusiasts to report seahorse sightings. These observations help fill critical gaps in scientific knowledge, details such as species distribution, population trends, habitat preferences, and breeding behaviors. The data collected directly informs conservation policies, marine protected area planning, and species protection strategies.
In the Philippines, this program is especially important. Our country is a biodiversity hotspot, home to numerous seahorse species, yet it is also a region where coastal development and fishing pressure pose significant threats. By contributing accurate, long-term data, local dive communities can play a major role in the protection of these iconic fishes.
Atmosphere Dive’s Weekly Seahorse Surveys
Beginning this month, Atmosphere Dive will conduct weekly seahorse monitoring dives in key sites around Dauin, Negros Oriental. Our dive guides and participating guests will document sightings following standardized iSeahorse protocols: recording species, size, sex, habitat, depth, and behavior. Photos and observations will then be uploaded to the iSeahorse database, where they become part of a global pool of conservation information.
These surveys not only help scientists understand local population health, but they also promote responsible diving practices. By learning how to observe seahorses without causing stress or habitat damage, divers become ambassadors for marine conservation.
Why This Work Matters
Protecting seahorses means protecting the delicate ecosystems they depend on. Healthy seagrass beds and reefs support countless species, store carbon, and provide resources for coastal communities. The more we know about seahorse populations, the better equipped we are to safeguard these environments from decline.
By joining the iSeahorse effort, Atmosphere Dive is helping ensure that future generations of divers can experience the magic of encountering seahorses in the wild. Every sighting reported, every survey completed, and every diver educated brings us one step closer to securing a sustainable future for these extraordinary animals.
Want to Get Involved?
Guests diving with Atmosphere are strongly encouraged to participate in our weekly seahorse surveys, learn about seahorse ecology, and contribute their observations to a meaningful global database! No scientific background is required—just curiosity, respect for marine life, and a willingness to help.
Together, we can make a tangible difference in saving “Mr. Mom” and the underwater world seahorses help represent.
