Investigating stakeholders’ perceptions regarding seahorses’ conservation and conflicts in an European estuarine environment

Estuaries play a vital role in sustaining biodiversity and providing ecosystem services that support ecological and socioeconomic well-being. However, they face numerous anthropogenic threats undermining their resilience and long-term sustainability. The Tagus estuary, located in Portugal and home to five syngnathids species, has been consistently impacted by anthropogenic stressors with adverse impacts on the ecosystem. Syngnathids have been recognized as potentially effective flagship species for estuarine conservation, yet little is known about their populations in the Tagus estuary. This study aimed to investigate the community’s interests, perceptions and historical references of the local natural assets, specifically of the local seahorse population. A total of 100 in-person and online interviews were conducted to characterize local stakeholders, their activities, and their Local Ecological Knowledge. Most participants were aware of the presence of seahorses in the local environment. However, sightings were mostly reported by fishermen and related to bycatch incidents. Participants reported seahorse sightings across the estuary and a generalized positive perception of these animals, but there is still a lack of detailed information and consolidated knowledge about them. This case study’s results provide information for local seahorse conservation and highlight the great potential of this group as a flagship for estuarine conservation.