Seahorses Found In Cleaner Thames UK: April 8, 2008 LONDON - Marine biologists believe seahorses could be breeding in the Thames as the river becomes cleaner. About five short-snouted seahorses, (Hippocampus hippocampus) have been spotted during routine conservation surveys, leading scientists to think they have probably established a resident population. The news has been kept secret until now because the seahorse has not been protected. But from Monday, the marine creature and its environment will have protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981.