# Balearic Islands seahorse conservation efforts > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/balearic-islands-seahorse-conservation-efforts > Updated: 2026-10-04T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Seahorse populations in the Balearic Islands are facing significant threats due to the degradation of the Mediterranean Sea. Scientists report that Mediterranean seahorse populations have declined by between 25% and 30% in recent decades. Factors contributing to this decline include rising sea temperatures, pollution, boat traffic, and tourism pressure. The Western Mediterranean and the Balearic Sea are currently experiencing exceptionally high temperatures, which threatens the shallow waters and marine vegetation that species like the common seahorse and Mediterranean seahorse rely on for survival. In response, the ‘Caballitos de mar Baleares’ project—a collaboration between Banca March and the Palma Aquarium Foundation—has been working to bolster native populations. Since its inception in 2022, the initiative has successfully reintroduced 1,517 seahorses into marine protected areas and Places of Community Interest within the archipelago. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-04: Balearic Islands seahorse populations decline due to Mediterranean degradation Seahorse populations in the Balearic Islands have declined by 25% to 30% due to habitat loss, pollution, and rising Mediterranean sea temperatures. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/balearic-islands-seahorse-populations-decline-due-to-mediterranean-degradation ### 2026-09-22: Balearic Islands project reintroduces 1,500 seahorses to combat population decline The ‘Caballitos de mar Baleares’ project has reintroduced 1,517 seahorses into protected Mediterranean waters since 2022 to combat declining populations in the Balearic Islands. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/balearic-islands-project-reintroduces-1500-seahorses-to-combat-population-decline --- Cite as: Balearic Islands seahorse conservation efforts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/balearic-islands-seahorse-conservation-efforts