Cuttlefish And Seahorses Thriving Close To Wightlink Terminals - According To Study

Scientific research by University of Portsmouth postgraduates suggests that the quality of seawater at two of Wightlink’s busy south coast ferry ports is good enough for iconic marine creatures to thrive and reproduce.

Artificial habitats for cuttlefish and seahorses installed underwater by the students at Wightlink’s ports on Ryde Pier and Portsmouth Harbour are now being used as ‘nurseries’.

On monitoring the sites, researchers found the marine creatures have been laying eggs at both Solent locations; a third season of investigations into their breeding habits is now underway.

Senior Lecturer Dr Ian Hendy said:

“If these species are living in the Solent, it means the environmental conditions are right for them and they can thrive. Cuttlefish have been overfished and their habitats have been lost so we are giving nature a helping hand by giving both species new places where their young can have a greater chance of survival.

"Through our students’ research, we want to know if cuttlefish and seahorses use artificial habitats as spawning areas and our data so far suggests they are.”

One of the research projects for 2025 is being undertaken by Rithu Sheena Jayan, a Masters’ student of Applied Aquatic Biology.

She says:

“Cuttlefish are an important part of the Solent’s marine ecosystem and local fisheries, so helping to protect their populations is something I feel strongly about. I believe marine science is crucial, especially now, to understand and protect our oceans for the future.

"After my Master’s, I hope to continue working in marine conservation and research, contributing to sustainable solutions and protecting ocean biodiversity.”

Director of Port Operations Dean Murphy said:

"Wightlink is committed to sustainability and supports the students from the University of Portsmouth to learn more about marine wildlife in our coastal waters.

Colleagues on Ryde Pier and at Portsmouth Harbour are always pleased to help them set up their equipment and monitor the sites.”