‘It’s spectacular’: volunteer Dorset divers see summer of surging seahorses

Conservationists have introduced ‘eco moorings’ for boats, which do not harm the habitat. Photograph: Neil Garrick-Maidment / The Seahorse Trust

The divers emerged from the water smiling with satisfaction. They had found what they were looking for in the undersea meadows off the south coast of England.

“Seahorses are tricky to spot,” said Mark Fox. “The seagrass sways and they blend into it pretty well. It helps if it’s sunny and not too choppy but you have to get your eye in. When you see them, it’s brilliant.”