Spotted Handfish monitoring and recovery actions – 2011–2012

Abstract

The Spotted Handfish (Brachionichthys hirsutus) is a small, benthic fish whose current known distribution is limited to a number of discrete locations in the Derwent Estuary, south eastern Tasmania. It is listed as ‘critically endangered’ by the IUCN and is considered vulnerable to extinction due to habitat loss and modification and invasive species. This project was developed to generate momentum and community engagement for ongoing monitoring and recovery actions of key handfish populations in the Derwent Estuary, with the ultimate aim of establishing a mechanism for long-term sustainability of handfish recovery and monitoring efforts.