Listing Statement for hirsutus (spotted ) Brachionichthys hirsutus Based on

T A S M A N I A N T H R E A T E N E D S P E C I E S L I S T I N G S T A T E M E N T

Image by Tim Lynch Common name: spotted handfish Scientific name: Brachionichthys hirsutus (Lacépède, 1804) Group: , Lophiiformes, Brachionichthyidae

Status: Threatened Species Protection Act 1995: endangered Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999: Critically Endangered

Distribution: Endemic status: Endemic to ’s eastern coast Tasmanian NRM Regions: South

Figure 1. The known distribution of the spotted Plate 1. Spotted handfish. Images by handfish over the past 50 years, showing NRM Mark Green (top) and Tim Lynch regions. Note: map does not include the recent (bottom). Storm Bay or Huon Estuary locations.

1 Threatened Species Section – Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment

Listing Statement for Brachionichthys hirsutus (spotted handfish)

SUMMARY: Spotted handfish are a benthic fish that use The spotted handfish (Brachionichthys hirsutus) is their hand-like fins to “walk” along the a small, benthic fish endemic to Tasmania and seafloor, rather than swim (although they is one of three listed threatened handfish possess a limited capacity to quickly swim over species. short distances to avoid danger).

Currently only known from the Derwent They are thought to occupy the middle of the Estuary, the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, Huon food chain with species such as flathead fish Estuary and Storm Bay in south-eastern their major predator. Tasmania. The total current population is estimated to comprise no more than 3,000 The spotted handfish feeds upon small mature individuals (Handfish Conservation crustaceans and worms, although Project 2019), although this estimate is not other reported dietary items include amphipods robust. (Bruce et al. 1997).

Threats to the species include small population They depend on small, semi-rigid vertical size, fragmentation of this small population into structures for use as spawning habitat. One even smaller local populations which show little preferred spawning habitat is stalked ascidians, connectivity, degradation and loss of habitat by with eggs laid around the base, although other human impacts, such as moorings as well as by structures such as , and algae introduced pests, stochastic events, and may also be used. The spawning period for possibly warming seas. spotted handfish is between September to October (Pogonoski et al. 2002), with egg A Recovery Team oversees a collaborative masses comprising between 80 to 200 eggs research and management effort aimed at (Last and Bruce 1996-7). An adult spotted improving the status of the species. handfish (generally thought to be the mother although it may be the father in some cases) IDENTIFICATION AND ECOLOGY guards the egg mass for a period of 6 to 7 weeks until the fully-formed young hatch. Brachionichthys hirsutus (known as the spotted handfish) is a member of the fish family Spotted handfish mature at around 2 years and Brachionichthyidae, which comprises 14 extant can live for up to 10 years, although the species that are globally restricted to south- number of that reach this age is very eastern , of which 11 occur in the seas small (Bessell 2018). Consequently, the species around Tasmania. has a relatively short period to reproduce.

The spotted handfish is a small and cryptic A reduction has occurred in naturally occurring species. Adult handfish are typically 10 to spawning habitat due to the consumption of 12 cm in length but can grow up to a maximum such habitat by the introduced northern Pacific of 14 to 15 cm (Handfish Conservation Project seastar () and mechanical 2019). destruction by vessel moorings. A trial of artificial structures (including plastic and They possess a relatively short and rounded ceramic structures), has been conducted in body that tapers towards the tail and is covered important breeding sites which have been with small spines. The dorsal area and sides are denuded of suitable spawning habitat. These white to pale pink and covered with orange, artificial structures are utilised by spotted brown or black (or a gradient thereof) spots handfish, although further research is required that have orange borders (Last et al. 1983). to confirm local population-scale positive effects (Lynch et al. 2019).

2 Threatened Species Section – Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment

Listing Statement for Brachionichthys hirsutus (spotted handfish)

Survey techniques Due to its small overall population size and the small and disjunct distributions of these local Diver-based surveys by suitably experienced populations, all areas within which spotted personnel using GPS parametrised underwater handfish have been found (and around these visual census (GUVC), is recommended as an areas) are considered critical habitat for the efficient method to detect and estimate relative species’ survival. densities of handfish (Lynch et al. 2015 and Wong et al. 2018). Remote Operated Vehicle POPULATION PARAMETERS (ROV)-based surveys may also be used in deeper water and have successfully detected Prior to the mid 1980s the species was fish but have not been used to estimate considered common throughout the lower densities or abundances. Derwent Estuary and adjoining bays (Pogonoski et al. 2002). At the time of Confusing species preparation of this listing statement, only nine small sub-populations in the and The spotted handfish is superficially similar to one sub-population in the D’Entrecasteaux the more common Australian handfish Channel are known to be extant (Lynch et al. (Brachionichthys australis sp. nov.), though the 2019). In 2019, individual animals were also latter has a larger eye, longer illicium with a observed on either side of Storm Bay via ROV smaller esca, longer first dorsal-fin ray, fewer surveys (Lynch et al. 2020), suggesting the likely second dorsal-fin rays, shorter second dorsal- presence of sub-populations in these areas. fin base, and a more subtle colour pattern (Last et al. 2007). The most recent estimates suggest that there are likely to be fewer than 3,000 adult spotted DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT handfish in existence (Handfish Conservation Project 2019). This is consistent with analysis of The spotted handfish is endemic to Tasmania’s data in 2009 which indicated a total abundance coastline. Once recorded from southern coastal of between 1,500 to 2,700 adults (Green 2009). waters to the north-east Tasmanian coastal However, research in 2014 indicated that total waters (Handfish Conservation Project 2019), abundance may have decreased since that time in more recent years the species has only been (Commonwealth of Australia 2015). found in a small number of local populations within the lower Derwent Estuary, adjoining RESERVATION STATUS bays and channels and the Huon Estuary. One local population occurs within the Recent genetic work suggests that there is little Opossum Bay Marine Conservation Area. The gene flow between local populations (Lynch et primary objective of this Conservation Area al. 2020). (proclaimed under the Nature Conservation Act 2002 in December 2009) is the protection of The species is found in coastal waters in soft habitat for the spotted handfish (Parks and sediment benthic environments from coarse to Wildlife Service 2019). fine sand and shell grit to silt, with a depth distribution between 0 to 60 metres There are also records from within the Central (Commonwealth of Australia 2015). Within this Channel Marine Conservation Area, although habitat it displays a strong preference for the current status of this local population is complex micro-habitats (Wong et al. 2018), unknown. such as shell hash filled holes left by foraging skates and rays.

3 Threatened Species Section – Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment

Listing Statement for Brachionichthys hirsutus (spotted handfish)

CONSERVATION STATUS Pollution and siltation: Changes to catchment process or coastal use can lead to algal blooms In 1999, the species was added to Schedule 3 and eutrophication, which can smother habitat. (extant endangered species) of the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995. Eligibility Illegal collection: Due to their charismatic for this listing was based on Criteria B (extent appearance and threatened status, spotted of occurrence and/or area of occupancy), B1 handfish are likely to be highly sought after by (severely fragmented or known to exist at no collectors. Due to the small population size, any more than five locations) and B2 (continuing illegal collection for the purposes of personal decline inferred, observed or projected) and it aquaria or the aquarium trade is a significant was determined that it was probably also threat to this species. eligible under Criterion A1(c) (observed, estimated, or inferred total population Climate change: An increase in water reduction of at least 50 % over the last 10 years temperatures is a potential threat to the species or within the past three generations of the (Gledhill and Green, unpublished report). species, whichever is the longer, based on a Warmer water temperatures may impact upon decline in area of occupancy, extent of spotted handfish survival and/or reproductive occurrence and/or quality of habitat). capacity, both directly and indirectly. Climate change may also lead to increased severe The spotted handfish is also listed under the weather events, which may dislodge spawning Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation substrate and degrade habitat (K. Gowlett- Act 1999 (EBPCA). In 2012, the species was Holmes, pers. comm.). As they are a coastal uplisted from Endangered to Critically species in south-eastern Tasmania there are no Endangered on the EPBCA, based on Criterion further poleward habitats for the species to 2 (its geographic distribution is precarious for move into, should their current locations the survival of the species and is very restricted, become inhospitable due to climate change. restricted or limited) (Threatened Species Scientific Committee 2010). Predation and competition: The introduced northern Pacific seastar (Asterias amurensis) is THREATS, LIMITING FACTORS & known to consume the natural spawning MANAGEMENT ISSUES substrates of the spotted handfish within the Derwent Estuary and may possibly also feed Threats, limiting factors and management issues directly upon the handfish egg masses, although for spotted handfish include: the latter has not been firmly established (Wong and Lynch 2017). Handfish have also been Direct disturbance and degradation and observed defending egg masses against seastars loss of habitat: Inappropriate developments (Lynch et al 2019). can result in direct disturbance of spotted handfish and/or adversely affect its habitat. Population size and fragmentation: Small Developments that have the potential to impact and discrete populations are more at risk from on spotted handfish and/or its habitat include the impacts of threatening processes and infrastructure such as break walls, walls and stochastic events. With little exchange between jetties, and mechanical disturbance from local populations there is little chance of moorings. recovery following localised extinction.

Physical damage can also occur through actions such as boat propeller wash and anchoring, which can disturb handfish eggs.

4 Threatened Species Section – Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment

Listing Statement for Brachionichthys hirsutus (spotted handfish)

MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Captive breeding program: Ex-situ breeding and restocking of wild populations has been Management objectives identified as a priority for bolstering current populations and possibly re-establishing The main objective for the management of the populations at sites previously occupied. A spotted handfish is to ensure an ecologically preliminary captive husbandry and head- functional wild population that with limited starting trial was undertaken in 2018, but more management has a high likelihood of experimental aquaculture research is needed to persistence, and to increase understanding of progress this priority. the biology and ecology of the species in order to conserve and contribute to the future Community awareness: In 2018, the recovery of the species (Commonwealth of Handfish Conservation Project was established Australia 2015). to raise awareness and funds to further handfish research and conservation What has been done? management efforts (https://handfish.org.au).

Population surveys: Surveys of the nine A spotted handfish Fact Sheet is also available known local populations in the Derwent from the NESP Marine Biodiversity Hub Estuary occurred each year from 2015 to 2019 website (https://www.nespmarine.edu.au/fact- and have been combined with less intense sheets). surveying back to 1998 to produce time-series data. Exploratory surveys of some areas of The captive trial has also provided an potential habitat in the D’Entrecasteaux opportunity to raise awareness of the plight of Channel were also undertaken, during which a the species through public display and small, new, local population was discovered. awareness information sessions at Seahorse Prior to these yearly surveys, survey effort had World at Beauty Point and at Melbourne been more opportunistic and ad hoc, although SEALIFE Aquarium. several sites have been surveyed numerous times over the years. What is needed?

Trial of Artificial Spawning Habitats: • Consider further options for the active Artificial spawning habitats such as plastic and conservation and management of the ceramic structures have been trialled and appear species and its habitat; to be suitable, although further work is required to confirm positive effects at the population • Further develop ROV methods so they are level. comparable to the well established GUVC methods for surveys; Assessment of environmentally sustainable moorings: During surveys, handfish have not • A better understanding of how been observed in the scars left on the seabed by developments impact on spotted handfish; traditional swing moorings used to secure vessels in shallow water. Environmentally • The use of ES moorings to reduce potential sustainable (ES) moorings, which do not impacts on handfish habitat where impact on the seabed, have been designed, practicable; modelled for survivability in extreme conditions and deployed at four sites within the handfish’s • range. Soon after deployment, spotted handfish Further genetic and population studies; were observed to re-occupy the recovering mooring scars under the ES moorings. • A Population Viability Analysis;

5 Threatened Species Section – Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment

Listing Statement for Brachionichthys hirsutus (spotted handfish)

• Improved knowledge of the distribution, Green M (2009). Handfish 08-09. NRM South abundance, population trends and habitat Final Report. Report to Biodiversity condition by continuing to undertake Conservation branch of the Department of regular, standardised, surveys of known Primary Industries, Water and Environment, local populations and undertaking regular, Tasmania, Australia. standardised surveys of potential habitat; Handfish Conservation Project (14/10/19). • Identify threats and factors limiting https://handfish.org.au expansion of local populations and colonisation of potential habitat; Gowlett-Holmes K (26/8/14), personal • Implement, monitor, review and adapt communication by email. In: Commonwealth conservation and management actions of Australia (2015). Recovery Plan for Three based on the best information available; Handfish Species. Australia.

• Continue investigations into optimal captive Last P and Bruce B (1996-97). Spotted husbandry requirements and subsequent Handfish. Nature Australia. 25: 20-21. establishment of a managed captive breeding program (if suitable) to act as an Last P, Gledhill D and Holmes B (2007). A insurance population and source of fish for new Handfish, Brachionichthys australis sp. Nov. endorsed release to the wild projects; (Lophiiformes: Brachionichthyidae), with a • Ensure proponents and regulators of redescription of the critically endangered developments that may impact on areas of spotted handfish, B. hirsutus (Lacepede). known or potential habitat consider the Zootaxa 1666(1): 53-68. needs of the species during assessment processes. Last PR, Scott EOG and Talbot FH (1983). Fishes of Tasmania. Tasmania Fisheries Development Authority, Hobart, Australia. BIBLIOGRAPHY Bessell TJ (2018). Using autonomous photo- Lynch T, Appleyard SA, Bessell T, Wong L, identification systems and otoliths to estimate age, Martini A, Bessell T, Stuart-Smith J, Soo L, growth and movement of the spotted handfish. Institute Devine C and Hardiman L (2020). Conservation for Marine and Antarctic Studies. University of of handfish and their habitats – annual report. Report Tasmania, Hobart (Honours Thesis). to the National Environmental Science Bruce BD, Green MA and Last PR (1997). Program, Marine Biodiversity Hub. CSIRO. Developing Husbandry Techniques for Spotted Handfish (Brachionichthys hirsutus) and Lynch T, Green M and Davies C (2015). Diver Monitoring the 1996 Spawning Season. towed GPS increases both statistical power to Environment Australia, Canberra. estimate densities and functionality to observe behaviours of sparsely distributed spotted Commonwealth of Australia (2015). Recovery handfish (Brachionichthys hirsatus, Lacépède Plan for Three Handfish Species: Spotted handfish 1804). Biological Conservation 191(1): 700-706. Brachionichthys hirsutus, politus, Ziebell’s handfish Lynch T, Bessell T, Hormann A, Devine C and Brachiopsilus ziebelli. Australia. Barrett N (2019). Conservation of handfish and their Gledhill DC and Green MA (unpublished habitats – annual report. Report to the National report). Issues Paper: Populations Status of, Environmental Science Programme, Marine and Threats to, Three Handfish Species Listed Biodiversity Hub, CSIRO. as Threatened under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. CSIRO Parks and Wildlife Service (2019). Opossum report to the Department of the Environment, Bay Marine Conservation Area. Accessed on Water, Heritage and the Arts, Canberra. 23/9/19 from: https://parks.tas.gov.au/index.aspx?base=42194 6 Threatened Species Section – Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment

Listing Statement for Brachionichthys hirsutus (spotted handfish)

Pogonoski JJ, Pollard DA and Paxton JR Prepared: January 2020 by the Threatened (2002). Conservation Overview and Action Plan for Species and Private Land Conservation Section Australian Threatened and Potentially Threatened under the provisions of the Tasmanian Marine and Estuarine Fishes. Environment Threatened Species Protection Act 1995. Published Australia, Canberra. in 2020.

Threatened Species Scientific Committee Cite as: Threatened Species Section (2020). (2/12/10). Brachionichthys hirsutus (spotted Listing Statement for Brachionichthys hirsutus handfish) Listing Advice. Available from: (spotted handfish). Department of Primary http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/t Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, hreatened/species/pubs/64418-listing- Tasmania. advice.pdf View: Wong L and Lynch TP (2017). Monitoring of https://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/conservation/threat spotted handfish (Brachionichthys hirsutus) ened-species-and-communities/lists-of- populations and on ground conservation actions. threatened-species Report to the National Environmental Science Programme, Marine Biodiversity Hub. CSIRO. Contact details: Threatened Species and Private Land Conservation Section, Wong, L, Lynch T, Barrett N, Wright J, Green Department of Primary Industries, Parks, M and Flynn D (2018). Local densities and Water and Environment, GPO Box 44, Hobart, habitat preference of the critically endangered Tasmania, Australia, 7001. Ph: 1300 368 550. spotted handfish (Brachionichthys hirsutus): large [email protected] scale field trial of GPS parameterised underwater visual census and diver attached Permit: A permit is required under the camera. PloS ONE 13(8). Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 to knowingly “take” (which includes kill, injure, catch, damage, destroy and collect), keep, trade in or process any specimen of a listed species.

7 Threatened Species Section – Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment