SanParks is calling on Sedgefield residents to volunteer by collecting dead seahorses in the Swartvlei, in order to conduct research on the endangered fish.
Although the Knysna Estuary is the principal home for this peculiar fish, smaller populations are found in the Swartvlei and Keurbooms Estuaries.
Spokesperson for SanParks Nandi Mgwadlamba says the Swartvlei Estuary has large population fluctuations and periodic mass deaths of seahorses.
She says they want to collect the dead seahorses to obtain critical information on population size and in which areas they are more likely to survive.
Mgwadlamba says any living seahorses found during the campaign, will be put back into deeper water.
She warns that it is illegal to collect or handle seahorses, even if they are already dead.
Volunteers therefore have to register with SanParks in order to get a permit.
