Ilha Grande hosts permanent seahorse conservation exhibition

The Seahorse Project (Projeto Cavalos-Marinhos) has inaugurated a permanent, free exhibition titled ‘Ilha Grande, Mar de Cavalos-Marinhos’ at the Ilha Grande State Park headquarters in Vila do Abraão, Angra dos Reis.

Celebrating 24 years of activity since its founding in 2002, the exhibit features photographs, infographics, educational panels, and seahorse specimens preserved in alcohol. A regional map is included to help residents and tourists identify specific locations where the animals can be observed in the wild.

The initiative aims to raise awareness about the threats facing seahorses, which are globally endangered due to predatory fishing, habitat destruction of mangroves and reefs, pollution, and capture for ornamental purposes. The project conducts research and monitoring across several bays in Rio de Janeiro and has recently expanded its scope to include São Paulo and Espírito Santo.