Hippocampus Marine Institute

Hippocampus Marine Institute is a Greece-based organization dedicated to studying and protecting seahorses and their marine habitats. Founded after researchers began monitoring seahorses near Stratoni in 2007, the institute focuses on documenting local populations, supporting their conservation, and identifying other populations that may need protection. Its work includes underwater research, environmental monitoring, temperature measurements, DNA sampling, habitat surveys, and the creation and installation of artificial underwater habitats.

The institute also investigates and documents underwater cultural heritage. In northeastern Halkidiki, it has supported research into historic shipwrecks, including vessels from the First and Second World Wars, and hosted technical diving teams conducting further surveys and documentation. Its activities combine scientific observation, diving, mapping, photography, and video production. The organization shares research through publications, news, media materials, and an online archive of photographs, videos, and project records. Based in Gerakas, Attica, Hippocampus Marine Institute works to raise awareness of marine life and heritage while contributing to the long-term protection and understanding of Greece’s underwater environments.