White’s Seahorses Riding Wave of Recovery at Port Stephens

6 September 2024

Nelson Bay, NSW – The endangered White’s Seahorse, one of Australia’s most iconic marine species, is experiencing a promising recovery as part of a government-backed initiative. Today, 132 baby seahorses were released off Little Beach, Nelson Bay, bringing the total number of released seahorses in Port Stephens to 1,000 this year.

This release is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to safeguarding the species, which is listed as endangered in New South Wales. The program has seen significant community involvement, with 400 primary school students from 15 schools across the Hunter region contributing by building and deploying 15 additional ‘seahorse hotels’ as part of the Seahorse Saviours school program. These artificial habitats are designed to encourage the growth of natural ecosystems over time, offering a safe environment for the seahorses to thrive.

Tara Moriarty, Minister for Agriculture, and Kate Washington, MP for Port Stephens, were present at today’s event, highlighting the importance of this initiative in supporting the recovery of the White’s Seahorse, particularly after the flood events of 2021 and 2022 caused a significant decline in their natural habitats.

“We are thrilled to see the community, especially young students, playing such an important role in the recovery of this iconic species. Today’s release is a crucial step towards ensuring the future of White’s Seahorses in Port Stephens,” said Minister Moriarty.

Minister Washington added, “This project reflects the government’s commitment to preserving the unique marine life of Port Stephens. It’s wonderful to see local students engaged in hands-on marine conservation, which will have a lasting impact on our environment.”

The program, funded in part by the Albanese Government’s Saving Native Species grants, continues to be a beacon of hope for the endangered White’s Seahorse, as efforts to rebuild their habitat and restore balance to the region’s marine ecosystems gain momentum.

For further information, media can contact Alastair Walton (Minister Moriarty’s office) or Brendan King (Minister Washington’s office).

This initiative marks another chapter in the ongoing efforts to protect Australia’s vulnerable wildlife, providing a model of cooperation between government, schools, and local communities.