seadragonsearch
Few creatures capture the imagination quite like the seadragon. Many people travel from around the world to the waters of the Great Southern Reef to catch a glimpse of these elusive and ethereal beings. With their leaf-like appendages and slow, graceful movement, seadragons are masters of camouflage, relying on this unique adaptation and their habitat for survival.
Yet, despite their popularity, seadragons remain shrouded in mystery.
Uncovering the answers to key questions about their breeding patterns, habitat preferences, and response to environmental changes is crucial for developing effective strategies for their conservation.
Documenting Dragons
SeadragonSearch harnesses the power of citizen science to track seadragons through a simple yet effective tool: photography. The project, conceptualised during a genetics study in order to avoid resampling the same individuals, aims to map the distribution and abundance of seadragons across the Great Southern Reef.
The adjacent image shows the distributions of the weedy seadragon (blue) leafy seadragon (green) and ruby seadragon (red).
Search and Snap
SCUBA divers form the backbone of the project's data contributors, but snorkellers, freedivers and beachcombers also contribute. The process is straightforward – all you need is a photograph of a seadragon, noting the date and location. Photos are submitted through an online reporting form where they become data for identifying and tracking individual seadragons. The emphasis isn't on professional-grade photography; rather, it's on respectful and responsible documentation.
Image: Mike Jones
What makes a good ID shot?
A clear side profile of the seadragon is crucial. This angle provides the best view of the unique patterns and markings used for identification. While a single side profile is sufficient, photographs of both sides are ideal. This ensures that any distinctive markings or patterns on either side of the seadragon are captured, offering a more comprehensive identification.
The photograph should be taken close enough to show detailed features but without disturbing the seadragon. Blurry or distant shots might obscure identifying markings, but the algorithm can do some impressive matching, so if in doubt, submit the encounter, and see what it can do.
Evidence Based Conservation
To date, SeadragonSearch has amassed thousands of observations. Researchers can use this valuable data to help understand population dynamics, distribution patterns, and potential threats, forming the bedrock of evidence-based conservation strategies.
A fascinating aspect of the SearagonSearch project is its focus on understanding the distribution of these creatures in relation to environmental factors, such as sea surface temperatures. This approach highlights whether seadragons are adaptable to varying temperature conditions, offering a glimpse into their resilience and the challenges they face in changing oceanic climates. The ultimate goal of this project is conservation. By understanding where seadragons are and how their populations fluctuate, we can better protect these barometers of ocean health.
Concerning Lack of Data
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), both weedy (or common) and leafy seadragons are currently listed as 'Least Concern'. This designation, however, does not imply that they are free from threat. It primarily indicates a lack of sufficient data to categorise them under a more threatened status.
This underscores the importance of SeadragonSearch in filling the data gaps. By tracking the distribution and abundance of seadragons, researchers can provide a more robust dataset, crucial for reassessing their conservation status.
Unique Marking Analysis
Similar to human fingerprints, seadragon patterns are distinctive and stabilise once they mature at about one year old. The SeadragonSearch project employs advanced machine learning techniques to analyse these patterns.
Scientists have trained algorithms to recognise and differentiate between individual seadragons based on their unique markings. This innovative approach transforms each pattern into a natural tag, enabling researchers and citizen scientists to track individual seadragons over time.
Long-Term Studies
The project is set to run for at least a decade, underscoring its commitment to long-term research and robust data collection. This extended timeframe is essential for obtaining a comprehensive understanding of seadragon populations and their trends.
The project's success hinges on community involvement, with diverse motivations driving people to participate. This variety enriches the data and provides a multifaceted view of seadragon ecology. Submit your finding today using the online reporting form.
Respectful Interactions
SeadragonSearch and the Great Southern Reef Foundation advocates for the ethical treatment of seadragons, emphasising the need for distance and minimal disturbance with a code of conduct for interacting with seadragons. This approach ensures the safety and well-being of these delicate creatures and underscores a broader message of conservation and respect for marine life.
SeadragonSearch strives to share findings and insights, fostering a connected community through ongoing dialogue and interaction. Learn more by visiting their website and join the Facebook Group.
