Seahorses are not very strong swimmers. Their stiff, bony armor and awkward body shape make it hard to navigate rough ocean currents. They use their tails as anchors, holding onto corals, seagrasses, sponges, mangroves, and other stable objects to avoid being swept away.
Seahorses mostly live in shallow near-shore waters that are heavily impacted by ocean plastic pollution. Ocean plastic can deceive seahorses into thinking they’ve found a safe place to anchor when they’re actually still adrift and in danger.
This seahorse grasped onto this piece of plastic, likely mistaking it for a secure place. Luckily, one of our supports swam by and was able to help them without harming it. 📸: @k8osm8os (IG)