Joint media release: New 'hotels' for newly released endangered White's seahorses

Senator The Hon Murray Watt, Minister for the Environment and Water
The Hon Tara Moriarty MP, NSW Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW

More than 1200 captive bred White’s seahorse babies have been released into their new home at Port Stephens.

The baby seahorses were released into underwater ‘seahorse hotels’, an artificial habitat made to provide shelter and safety, as well as into natural seagrass and endangered soft coral environments close by.

Sadly, White’s seahorses have suffered massive population declines over the last three years due to major flooding events along Australia’s east coast.

The seahorse hotels are designed by scientists and made from metal that slowly rusts away in seawater. They were built and decorated with biodegradable materials to increase habitat structure by more than 400 local school children who have joined the recovery efforts and are learning about threats to the species.

These ‘hotels’ become covered in sponges, corals and algae that take over as the metal frames rust away. They are used by White’s seahorses much like encrusted discarded fish traps and other marine debris.

This was the largest ever release of White’s seahorses into Port Stephens since the program began and the largest release of seahorses ever undertaken in the world. More releases will happen later this year in Botany Bay with traditional custodians, the Gamay Rangers.

Large-scale captive breeding of White’s seahorses is being funded by the Australian Government’s Saving Native Species program and led by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

Images of the seahorses and their release are available here.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt:

“Unfortunately, the natural habitat of the White’s seahorse has been severely impacted over the years.

“That’s why both levels of Government are supporting the experts who are doing what’s needed to get this species back on track.

“White’s seahorses are one of 110 species prioritised for recovery under the Australian Government’s Threatened Species Action Plan.

“The Australian Government is investing more than $600 million to better protect threatened plants and animals and tackle the feral animals and weeds that are devastating our native species.”

Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty:

“I congratulate Government fisheries scientists on this milestone and look forward to seeing further successful outcomes for the White’s seahorse.

“The release of 1,200 White’s seahorses gives real hope for the future of this iconic species.

“The aquaculture breeding program, which commenced in February 2024, is a flagship example of how our Government is committed to leading recovery efforts for endangered species.

“The Port Stephens Fisheries Institute is delivering world-class aquaculture and marine science, and I appreciate the support from the Commonwealth in funding this work and our combined efforts to recover populations of the endangered White’s seahorse.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Paterson, Meryl Swanson:

“This release marks a significant step forward in the recovery of Port Stephen’s White’s Seahorse population, as we strive to protect the survival of the precious but vulnerable species.

"It’s wonderful to see so many of our young people interested in hands-on conservation, helping shape a future where our unique marine life can thrive.”

Quotes attributable to State Member for Port Stephens, Kate Washington:

“Port Stephens prides itself on our stunning waterways and rich marine life, so it’s very special to see more than a thousand tiny baby endangered seahorses being released into our estuary.

“It’s awesome to have our local students helping save endangered seahorses, playing their part in a world-leading program and learning the importance of caring for our environment.”