Another expedition with the “Scientists in the Field” series introduces readers to efforts to protect and preserve the seahorse population off the coast of the Philippine island village of Handumon. Scientists Amanda Vincent and Heather Koldewey’s Project Seahorse has led to the creation of a marine protected area. The two women work closely with conservationists and local villagers in order to protect the coral reef environment seahorses need while also supporting the local economy of families who depend on the sea to support them. Pamela S. Turner’s engagement with her subjects—from the scientists to Philippine fishing families—shines in a narrative that is threaded with plenty of science, including informational sidebar spreads, and enhanced with many color photographs, including some captivating undersea images. (Ages 9–13)

Seahorses, some of the ocean's most charming fish, are in trouble. In the past twenty years their populations has declined. They are threatened by overfishing, pollution and climate change. In Handumon in the Philippines, villagers and conservationists have joined to protect the seahorse and the coral reefs where they live. Amanda Vincent and Heather Koldewey, founders of Project Seahorse, work with Filipino colleagues and local fishers like "Digoy" Paden to protect seahorses and the livelihood of local fishing families. Through their efforts the Handumon Marine Protected Area is now a model "underwater park" where marine life is safe from fishing.