Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay Good News

 

White’s seahorse released in Australia – Supplied by Dr. David Harasti

Today’s good news story comes from my favorite source, the Good News Network. Here is the story.

‘Best One We’ve Ever Done’–Scientists Release Hundreds of Endangered Seahorses Back Into the Wild

 

Marine biologists restoring populations of seahorses off Australia’s east coast are ecstatic at the best efforts they’ve seen so far.

Hundreds of White’s seahorses, the only seahorse or seadragon species on Australia’s national endangered species list, were released into the waters north of Newcastle into specially-made “hotels.”

The project was conducted through a private-public effort consisting of the Sydney Aquarium and the Department of Primary Industries, (DPI) an agency that oversees hunting, agriculture, fishing, and forestry.

A generation ago, divers might see two dozen White’s seahorses at a time off Sydney Harbor at a refuge called Port Stephens, but coastal development and boat moorings have disrupted the habitat of these beautiful and strange creatures.

Sydney Aquarium has a very successful breeding program for the animal that uses individuals from Port Stephens as broodstock. The fathers raise the eggs of the next generation in a belly pouch—a feature unique in the entire animal kingdom—and are collected in large bags of seawater after they hatch.

They are then taken to the refuges and lowered down into their hotels. The hotels are essentially cages meant for much larger animals. They create plenty of nooks and crannies that serve as habitats for them and their prey species, like crustaceans.

Recently, aboard a DPI boat off Nelson Bay, Dr. David Harasti, a scientist with the department, released 350 baby seahorses at one time.

The seahorse “hotels” – Dr. David Harasti

“That was the best one we’ve ever done—350 baby seahorses sitting around in their new home,” he told ABC au, who filmed him doing the release.

“It’s great to see, and I can’t wait to go back in a couple of weeks and see how they’re doing.”

Harasti is also planning to check up on his charges this coming October.

The good news here is that with work, endangered species can be saved. Today’s JohnKu talks about what saving endangered species means to us. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Endangered by John W. Howell © 2023

Vanishing Species,

Are the early warning signs . . .

For the rest of us.

74 comments

  1. Harmony Kent's avatar

    This is a wonderful good news story, John. Just what the lead up to the weekend needs. Thanks for sharing. Hugs 🤗💕🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree, Harmony. Thank you for the lovely comment. 🤗

      Liked by 1 person

  2. coldhandboyack's avatar

    Very cool story. I look forward to these posts every week.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m glad. I enjoy them as well. Thanks, Craig.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Jennie's avatar

    Wonderful!

    Like

  4. Gwen M. Plano's avatar

    Another great JohnKu and Fri-yay! I look forward to your Friday posts, John, because of the hope they convey. With all that is happening in our world, there are those who work tirelessly (and quietly) to create a future we can all embrace. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      We all have to embrace hope, Gwen. When the world spins out of control it is the one thing that can give us the focus to continue to try and make it right again. You are right about those who work to create a future. They are there. I hope you have a super weekend. 😊

      Like

  5. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    Fascinating! Your JohnKu is spot-on, too.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      So glad, Liz

      Liked by 1 person

  6. GP's avatar

    Doesn’t it make you feel good to see things like this. I like the “Zoo” programs on TV about the Bronx Zoo (all 5 including the NY aquarium), Chester Zoo, UK and San Diego. They breed and release creatures all over the world.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It does make me feel good too, GP. Thanks.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Jill Weatherholt's avatar

    This is a wonderful Friday share, John. Thank you!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree, Jill. Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    Awesome. Really hope this helps.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      For the seahorses I think it does. Thanks, Charles.

      Like

  9. Joan Hall's avatar

    That is good news, John. Thanks for sharing and enjoy your weekend.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Enjoy yours as well, Joan. Thank you for the lovely comment. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Marcia Meara's avatar

    Like everyone else, John, I love this story! You know a nature-lover like me is going to be happy to see such a wonderful thing. And sea horses are so interesting … and CUTE! … it makes the news even better. I hope this turns out to be a very successful endeavor, and look forward to more good news when they go back to check on them.

    Thanks for sharing, John, and your JohnKu is on the money! Enjoy the rest of your Fri-Yay, and have a super weekend! 😀

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Marcia. I hope you have a super weekend as well.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. JFRSr's avatar

    Very interesting little creatures and…nice, feel-good story. Good weekend to you John and here comes that “day” again👍.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Jim. Yes it is coming for sure. Hope you have a super weekend.

      Like

  12. Chel Owens's avatar

    We humans kicked them out of their homes, so we can certainly work to give them another one.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Seems like the right thing to do.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Dale's avatar

    I love that you have dedicated Fridays to wonderful stories like these. Your JohnKu hit the nail on the head.
    Happy Friday to you and all your girls!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Dale. Words like yours keep me doing this.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale's avatar

        Then I will keep on encouraging you!!

        Liked by 1 person

  14. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    It’s good that people are working to keep species from being wiped from the face of the earth. I agree with your Johnku.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Tim

      Liked by 1 person

  15. rabirius's avatar

    Seahorses are such amazing animals.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      They are indeed.

      Like

  16. noelleg44's avatar

    Wonderful share, John. We were in an aquarium somewhere when some baby seahorses were born – there were a LOT of them! The tank just sparkled with them.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I found it interesting that the dads took care of them.

      Like

      1. noelleg44's avatar

        Me, too. I guess the Moms were too tired from giving birth. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          I think you are right.

          Liked by 1 person

  17. Staci Troilo's avatar

    Your John-Ku nailed it. What a positive story. Thanks for sharing, John. Have a great weekend.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Have a great weekend as well Staci. Thanks for the lovely words.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Annette Rochelle Aben's avatar

    This makes my heart glad! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Which makes me glad. 🤗

      Liked by 1 person

  19. Debbie's avatar

    Love your JohnKu — so very true. Great story, too. Have a splendid weekend, John (and Happy Mother’s Day to the Producer!)

    Like

  20. Marie A Bailey's avatar

    The kind of news that warms my heart! Your Johnku is spot-on! Have a great weekend, John xo

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Have a great weekend as well, Marie. Thanks for the nice comment.

      Liked by 1 person

  21. D.L. Finn, Author's avatar
    D.L. Finn, Author · ·

    Yay for the seahorses!

    Liked by 1 person

  22. quiall's avatar

    And this time someone paid attention to the warning signs. Well done all around! There is hope for us.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      There is hope. Thanks, Pam. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  23. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    Another wonderful good news story, John. Thank you for sharing! And I love the JohnKu!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you so much, Jan. 😊

      Like

  24. Sorryless's avatar

    Excellent lesson to a great story Sheriff.

    Yes, too many of us fail to realize we don’t own this planet. We rent it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      So true pilgrim.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sorryless's avatar

        Another great story Boss

        Liked by 1 person

  25. Dan Antion's avatar

    Great story, John, and a powerful reminder in your poem.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Dan

      Liked by 1 person

  26. Luanne's avatar

    We need lots of good news like this!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes we do. Thanks, Luanne

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Luanne's avatar

        You are welcome.

        Liked by 1 person

  27. cheryloreglia's avatar

    This is so heartwarming…hugs, C

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree, Cheryl. Thanks 🤗

      Like

  28. Ilsa Rey's avatar

    That’s cool. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  29. Resa's avatar

    IMHO, humans should have been the first of the endangered species. Then the rest would probably be fine right now.
    As it is, in all our hubris, we’ve made a mess.
    At least some humans are dong what they can. I wish them and all of the beautiful little sea horses great success.
    Lovely JohnKu.
    Thank you for these weekly “Good News” posts, John!
    õẋ õẋ õẋ õẋ

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m so glad you liked the post, Resa. I agree on humans going extinct. ☢︎x ☢︎x ☢︎x ☢︎x

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Resa's avatar

        We probably will, and leave the earth to itself.
        Hmmm? …. ☢︎x ☢︎x ☢︎x ☢︎x
        Playing hardball?
        Do dogs get fur balls?

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Dogs do not get furballs

          Liked by 1 person

  30. dgkaye's avatar

    Love you good news articles John. Yay for bringing back seahorses 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Glad to hear you like the stories. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  31. House of Heart's avatar

    This is encouraging! These endangered species are definitely or should be a startling heads up. 🐂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree, Holly. The Aussies are on it. 🐂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. House of Heart's avatar

        They really are. I wish the rest of us would hop aboard.

        Liked by 1 person