Protecting White’s seahorses: Key considerations when relocating endangered species
At a glance
What happens when development meets delicate marine ecosystems? Relocating wildlife is a critical task for developers working in natural environments. This article provides key considerations for planning and executing the relocation of syngnathids, specifically, the cryptic White’s seahorse threatened marine species in Australian waters, drawing on GHD’s extensive experience in the marine environment.
Key considerations for developers relocating endangered species like White’s Seahorse to support marine conservation and sustainable development.
The importance of responsible seahorse relocation
Relocating wildlife from development sites isn’t just a regulatory checkbox – it is a powerful demonstration of environmental stewardship and sustainable development. It shows that developers are not only aware of their impact on the environment, but are actively working to minimise it.
Seahorses play a vital role in their ecosystems as both predators and prey, helping to control the population of small invertebrates while also serving as a food source for larger predators. Seahorses, however, are particularly vulnerable to environmental changes brought about by site developments because of their biological constraints, so relocating them is a delicate process. Moving them to new suitable habitats though is critical in helping to maintain the ecological balance of marine systems and in some cases a necessary mitigation measure.
One species of seahorse, the White’s seahorse, is endemic to select locations in New South Wales and southern Queensland. The species is protected by the Commonwealth Government’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, the NSW Government’s Fisheries Management Act 1994 and the QLD Government’s Nature Conservation (Animals) Regulation 2020. Relocation is the primary method to mitigate impacts when the natural habitat of White’s seahorse is removed for development.
Seahorses play a vital role in their ecosystems as both predators and prey, helping to control the population of small invertebrates while also serving as a food source for larger predators. Seahorses, however, are particularly vulnerable to environmental changes brought about by site developments because of their biological constraints, so relocating them is a delicate process. Moving them to new suitable habitats though is critical in helping to maintain the ecological balance of marine systems and in some cases a necessary mitigation measure.
One species of seahorse, the White’s seahorse, is endemic to select locations in New South Wales and southern Queensland. The species is protected by the Commonwealth Government’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, the NSW Government’s Fisheries Management Act 1994 and the QLD Government’s Nature Conservation (Animals) Regulation 2020. Relocation is the primary method to mitigate impacts when the natural habitat of White’s seahorse is removed for development.
Preparing for seahorse relocation
When planning the relocation of the endangered White's seahorse, several key considerations have to be taken into account.
Conducting a thorough baseline survey is essential to understand the abundance and density of seahorses in the area with the potential to be impacted by a project. Baseline surveys utilise a few different techniques, including diver-based visual surveys, eDNA and purse-seine netting.
If the baseline survey determines that the White’s seahorse is present and when alternative mitigation measures are not feasible, a tailored management strategy is then designed. This strategy is reviewed in consultation with regulatory authorities, who grant approval for the relocation.
Selecting receiver sites requires careful consideration of habitat requirements, timing, techniques and methods, and post-relocation monitoring to name a few considerations. A receiver site must also be prepared for the seahorses to relocate to. This new location should have similar environmental conditions This helps the seahorses adapt seamlessly to their new environment, maximising their growth and survival after relocation
Pre-clearance surveys are critical to make sure that no seahorses are left in harm’s way before site development begins.
The actual relocation involves manually moving the seahorses, sometimes colonies of up to 100 seahorses, using commercial divers familiar with the sites. The developer should have an active role in supervising the relocation process.
Finally, post-relocation monitoring must be conducted in accordance with approval conditions, which can last from three to 12 months, confirming the seahorses have successfully adapted to their new home.
Conducting a thorough baseline survey is essential to understand the abundance and density of seahorses in the area with the potential to be impacted by a project. Baseline surveys utilise a few different techniques, including diver-based visual surveys, eDNA and purse-seine netting.
If the baseline survey determines that the White’s seahorse is present and when alternative mitigation measures are not feasible, a tailored management strategy is then designed. This strategy is reviewed in consultation with regulatory authorities, who grant approval for the relocation.
Selecting receiver sites requires careful consideration of habitat requirements, timing, techniques and methods, and post-relocation monitoring to name a few considerations. A receiver site must also be prepared for the seahorses to relocate to. This new location should have similar environmental conditions This helps the seahorses adapt seamlessly to their new environment, maximising their growth and survival after relocation
Pre-clearance surveys are critical to make sure that no seahorses are left in harm’s way before site development begins.
The actual relocation involves manually moving the seahorses, sometimes colonies of up to 100 seahorses, using commercial divers familiar with the sites. The developer should have an active role in supervising the relocation process.
Finally, post-relocation monitoring must be conducted in accordance with approval conditions, which can last from three to 12 months, confirming the seahorses have successfully adapted to their new home.
Challenges in relocating seahorses
Relocating seahorses is no simple task. It demands meticulous planning well in advance, and consideration of factors outside of the developer’s control, such as weather and ocean conditions. These challenges mean developers must stay flexible and be prepared with multiple approaches so that relocation is safe and successful. Seahorses are also highly cryptic and difficult to detect during surveys. Surveys must therefore be undertaken by those experienced with the survey approach, the species and the local environment. Season-specific timing of surveys also contributes to maximising the chances of detection. We work with commercial divers.
In NSW, we’ve seen a number of example projects where seahorses have adapted to living in artificial structures, or ‘seahorse hotels’. Seahorse hotels are an excellent demonstration of a simple solution to counter habitat loss, where there is limited opportunity to relocate seahorses to natural habitats such as seagrass, macroalgae or sponges.
Planning relocation efforts require careful consideration and consultation with the right authorities early so that a relocation program is both compliant with legislative and policy requirements, and also collaborative to bring the brightest minds to each project. When dealing with live animals, we have animal ethics considerations and secondary permits to consider. There is little margin for error and a number of moving parts for relocation so we take the stance that a robust relocation plan is the foundation on which we can work to have as successful of a relocation as possible.
In NSW, we’ve seen a number of example projects where seahorses have adapted to living in artificial structures, or ‘seahorse hotels’. Seahorse hotels are an excellent demonstration of a simple solution to counter habitat loss, where there is limited opportunity to relocate seahorses to natural habitats such as seagrass, macroalgae or sponges.
Planning relocation efforts require careful consideration and consultation with the right authorities early so that a relocation program is both compliant with legislative and policy requirements, and also collaborative to bring the brightest minds to each project. When dealing with live animals, we have animal ethics considerations and secondary permits to consider. There is little margin for error and a number of moving parts for relocation so we take the stance that a robust relocation plan is the foundation on which we can work to have as successful of a relocation as possible.
Stakeholders in the seahorse relocation process
Successful relocation requires collaboration with various stakeholders.
State government fisheries departments are important stakeholders. Not only do they provide valuable insights and updates on current and future projects that may impact relocation efforts, but their involvement also signals regulatory confidence in the developer’s relocation plan and any associated management strategies. Depending on the project, with Commonwealth Government environmental regulators might also be required.
Regulatory authorities are consulted during the development of a management strategy and provide approval for the relocation process, making sure that seahorses are relocated to suitable habitats and that the relocation approach is appropriate. Almost all projects that may disturb the marine environment in coastal waters of NSW and southern Queensland will need to consider impacts to the White’s seahorse. Working as a collaborative effort, rather than in isolation with the developer or project proponent, regulators and the GHD marine team can achieve project outcomes that have the highest level of benefit for threatened species, including the White’s seahorse.
Collaboration helps to pool resources, distribute effort, share knowledge and implement effective conservation strategies. The ultimate outcome we are working towards when managing threatened species of any kind is the protection and conservation of that species and species habitat so that they can be delisted.
State government fisheries departments are important stakeholders. Not only do they provide valuable insights and updates on current and future projects that may impact relocation efforts, but their involvement also signals regulatory confidence in the developer’s relocation plan and any associated management strategies. Depending on the project, with Commonwealth Government environmental regulators might also be required.
Regulatory authorities are consulted during the development of a management strategy and provide approval for the relocation process, making sure that seahorses are relocated to suitable habitats and that the relocation approach is appropriate. Almost all projects that may disturb the marine environment in coastal waters of NSW and southern Queensland will need to consider impacts to the White’s seahorse. Working as a collaborative effort, rather than in isolation with the developer or project proponent, regulators and the GHD marine team can achieve project outcomes that have the highest level of benefit for threatened species, including the White’s seahorse.
Collaboration helps to pool resources, distribute effort, share knowledge and implement effective conservation strategies. The ultimate outcome we are working towards when managing threatened species of any kind is the protection and conservation of that species and species habitat so that they can be delisted.
Conservation’s contribution to sustainable development
Relocating any seahorse, including the endangered White's Seahorse, is a complex but essential task for developers working in marine environments. Thorough planning that adheres to environmental regulations and active collaboration with stakeholders can maximise the chances for a successful relocation program and contributes to sustainable development in the natural environment that can be enjoyed for generations to come.