In 2020, the White’s seahorse Hippocampus whitei was listed as Endangered under State and Commonwealth legislation. Its listing was based on population declines across its range, particularly in the Port Stephens estuary which was considered a hotspot for the species. In 2021 and 2022, extreme climate change-driven flood events occurred in Port Stephens causing significant declines in important seahorse shallow water habitats such as soft corals, sponges and seagrass. As a result of habitat loss, the White’s seahorse populations in Port Stephens were estimated to decline by over 90% following the flood events.
To assist in recovery of the threatened seahorse in Port Stephens, a multi-pronged approach has been implemented. Firstly, to assist with low number of wild mature individuals, a captive breeding program has been implemented at the Port Stephens Fisheries Institute with plans to release 1,000+ aquaria born juveniles in mid-2024. Secondly, restoration of the Endangered Cauliflower soft coral habitat is underway using transplanting and aquaria reared larvae. Thirdly, installation of artificial habitats, known as Seahorse Hotels, has been undertaken in areas where natural habitats have been lost. This paper summarises the progress to date and provides an early assessment on the status of the species recovery.