Over 200 critically endangered red handfish have been successfully bred in a captive program in Tasmania since 2022. This promising development comes as scientists emphasize the need to manage and restore natural habitats for the species' long-term survival. The red handfish population in the wild is estimated to be around 100, with the last known wild population located south-east of Hobart. A marine heatwave last summer threatened the species, prompting an intervention to remove about 25 fish from the wild for safekeeping.
More than 200 critically endangered red handfish have been successfully bred in a captive breeding program in southern Tasmania since 2022.The project's results are "promising", but the scientists have said the ongoing survival of the species is also dependant on managing and restoring natural habitats.
The fears prompted an urgent intervention, greenlit by Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek under a "national interest exemption", to remove about 25 fish in January to further safeguard the species. Scientists returned 18 of the captured red handfish to Frederik Henry Bay in April this year, and Dr Trotter said they aim to add to that population with the captive-bred creatures next year.Before being released into the wild the fish will go through a conditioning and enrichment program, which Dr Trotter said would train them in critical survival skills.
Jemina Stuart-Smith, the marine ecologist overseeing the capture and breeding, said the program's success was "promising" but not a complete solution.
Conservation Endangered Species Marine Biology Captive Breeding Tasmania
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