The Minns Labor Government has reaffirmed its commitment to saving the endangered White's seahorse, with a record release of 1,200 seahorses at Port Stephens.
The iconic White's seahorse is listed as an Endangered species in NSW, making it Australia's only threatened seahorse species and the second Endangered seahorse worldwide.
This release marks a major milestone, bringing the total number of White's seahorses bred and released by the Minns Government in the region to more than 3,500 in the ongoing effort to restore local populations of this iconic and threatened species.
To assess their survival in the wild, each seahorse is given a small fluorescent tag, and they will be monitored by Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development's (DPIRD) Fisheries scientists with assistance from the local diving community.
The Government's White's seahorse breeding program, funded through the Australian Government's Saving Native Species grants program, is based at the Port Stephens Fisheries Institute—just a short distance from the seahorses' new home off Fly Point, Nelson Bay.
The seahorses were released into 'seahorse hotels' that were installed at sites in Port Stephens in 2024 and shallow water Posidonia seagrass meadows.
The 'seahorse hotels' start as artificial habitats, but are rapidly covered in algae, sponges and corals, that over time transform into a natural habitat making them perfect homes for seahorses.
To further rebuild habitat, 400 primary school students from 15 schools across the Hunter have helped deploy an additional 15 hotels as part of the 'Seahorse Saviours school program', with DPIRD providing diving support for this event.
The White's seahorse population in Port Stephens has dramatically declined over the past decade, due to habitat loss from sand inundation and flooding.
The recent Mid-north coast flooding, as well as flood events in 2021 and 2022 have had a major impact on White's seahorse habitats, with shallow water seagrass, sponges and soft corals all experiencing substantial declines.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
"A major milestone in marine conservation was reached today with the largest release ever of White's seahorses, taking our total to 3,500 of these endangered small and delicate seahorses released back into waters, due to the success of our world class breeding program.
"The natural habitat of White's seahorse in Port Stephens has been severely impacted by recent flood events, which underscores the importance of our recovery efforts.
"The seahorse breeding program is made possible through the combined efforts of the Minns and Albanese Governments who are both committed to saving our endangered Native Species through this outstanding example of collaboration in conservation.
"The Port Stephens Fisheries Institute continues to deliver the best aquaculture and marine science possible, which is central to the recovery of White's seahorse and other vulnerable species."
State Member for Port Stephens, Kate Washington said:
"The Port Stephens community welcomes more baby White's seahorses being released into our stunning waterways, safeguarding the future of this exceptionally cute endangered species.
"Thanks to the very clever team at the Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, the baby seahorses were born and bred locally and are now being released to boost the local populations on the back of recent flood events.
"Without the Minns and Albanese Governments' investment in this important program, the White's seahorses may have been lost for good in Port Stephens."
