They've been gently coaxed out of the plastic bag and into the big, bad underwater world where they are exposed to the elements. Now, researchers have big hopes this small group of red handfish will not only survive, but thrive — the species is depending on it.
An emergency intervention to remove the fish from Frederick Henry Bay was green-lit last December over fears a marine heatwave could cause their extinction. There are only about 100 red handfish left in the wild.Researchers believe temporarily removing animals from their environment may become more common due to climate change.
Of the 25 fish removed in January, 18 were returned in early April, while four have been kept in captivity as an insurance population.A lot is riding on this group of tiny baby fish — so much so, they'll be put through 'school' to get them 'street smart' before release into the wild in Tasmania.The marine ecologist overseeing the rescue program, Dr Jemina Stuart-Smith, said it was a relief to have the fish back into their natural environment.
A "national interest exemption" under environmental law was provided by Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to allow scientists to remove the fish from the bay.The red handfish is a small anglerfish which uses its under-developed fins to "walk" along the ocean floor, however its limited environment — its only known habitat is two small stretches of reef — and tiny population distribution makes it vulnerable.
Fish Wild Tas Tasmania Imas Red Handfish Endangered
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