Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00300:body:0:p18
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00300
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 49725–52833

to all handfish species. Increased water temperature may impact upon handfish survival and reproductive capacity both directly, as handfish held in aquaria appeared distressed at temperatures above 18°C (Gledhill and Green, unpublished), and indirectly, through the creation of conditions favourable to the growth of filamentous alga and the spread of native urchins. Furthermore, climate change driven increases in severe weather events may dislodge spawning substrate and degrade habitat (Gowlett-Holmes, pers comm., 2014).

    5 Populations under particular pressure
The actions described in this recovery plan are designed to provide ongoing protection for handfish species throughout their range.
The meta-population structure of each of the species covered by this plan is largely unknown. Red handfish and Ziebell's handfish may each persist as isolated, single populations, while spotted handfish colonies may form one or more subpopulations.  All species covered by this plan have restricted distributions and small population sizes, which present significant challenges for their recovery and exert strong pressures on their survival in the wild. Given these challenges all populations of handfish covered by this plan require protective measures.

6 Objectives and strategies
The objectives of this recovery plan are to:

    * Ensure an ecologically functional wild population of spotted handfish that, with limited site-specific management, has a high likelihood of persistence in nature; and
    * Increase the understanding of the biology and ecology of spotted handfish, red handfish and Ziebell's handfish in order to conserve, and contribute to the future recovery, of each species.
The strategies to achieve the plans' objectives are to:
    * Increase spawning success for spotted, red and Ziebell's handfish;
    * Reduce impacts on spotted, red and Ziebell's handfish, and their habitat;
    * Consider options for the active management of spotted, red and Ziebell's handfish;
    * Improve knowledge of the distribution, abundance and population trends of spotted, red and Ziebell's handfish;
    * Increase understanding of habitat health and threats to handfish habitat for spotted, red and Ziebell's handfish; and,
    * Encourage community participation in the conservation of spotted, red and Ziebell's handfish.

    7 Actions to achieve the specific objectives
Actions identified for the recovery of spotted handfish, red handfish and Ziebell's handfish are described below. It should be noted that some of the objectives are long-term and may not be achieved prior to the scheduled five-year review of the recovery plan. Priorities assigned to actions should be interpreted as follows:
Priority 1:  Taking prompt action is necessary in order to mitigate the key threats to spotted handfish, red handfish or Ziebell's handfish and also provide valuable information to help identify long-term population trends.
Priority 2:  Action would provide a more informed basis for the long-term management and recovery of spotted handfish, red handfish or Ziebell's handfish.
Priority 3: