NESP MaC Project 1.23 - Conservation of spotted handfish

Research Project

Researchers: Lynch, Tim (Principal investigator, Point of contact) ,  Lynch, Tim (Principal investigator, Point of contact) ,  Devine, Carlie (collaborator) ,  Emma Flukes (Point of contact) ,  Emma Flukes (Point of contact)
View all 10 related researchers

Brief description This record provides an overview of the NESP Marine and Coastal Hub small-scale study - "Conservation of spotted handfish". For specific data outputs from this project, please see child records associated with this metadata. -------------------- Spotted handfish are a critically endangered fish that inhabit a rapidly developing coast. This bridging project continues efforts to conserve the species with on-ground actions guided by research. Previous NESP work (A10) helped developed a 23-year time-series of surveys, increased biological understanding and established effective management actions. This new work will recommence surveys of multiple local populations, after a two-year gap, to ensure potential impacts of development of the Derwent estuary and surrounds handfish populations or their habitats can be detected. We will also identify where to plant Artificial Spawning Habitats (ASH) where natural spawning structures have declined. We will continue to support our captive breeding program with industry and foster engagement with the indigenous and broader community through participation, talks, outreach, publications, and the National Handfish Recovery Team (NHRT). Outputs • A consolidated database of all available data on spotted handfish imagery, length frequency, and GPS regions to 2022 [time-series database] • Final technical report with analysed data, including a short summary of recommendations for policy makers of key findings [written]

Lineage Maintenance and Update Frequency: asNeeded

Notes Credit
Tim Lynch (CSIRO), Jemina Stuart-Smith (UTAS), Mibu Fisher (CSIRO), Carlie Devine (CSIRO)

Notes Credit
National Environmental Science Program (NESP) Marine and Coastal Hub

Notes Credit
Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE), Australian Government

Notes Credit
In addition to NESP (DAWE) funding, this project is matched by an equivalent amount of in-kind support and co-investment from project partners and collaborators.

Notes Purpose
To further secure spotted handfish from extinction, stabilise existing populations and allow for the option of recovery.

Data time period: 2021-09-01 to 2022-06-30

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-43.08786705572,90

-43.17328,86 -43.17321,86

-43.173246323309,90