Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00300:body:0:p7
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00300
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 18001–21295

spawning habitat and the replacement of traditional boat moorings with eco-friendly moorings to improve habitat quality.
Accompanying Species Profile and Threats Database (SPRAT) pages provide background information on the biology, population status and threats to the three listed species of handfish. SPRAT pages are available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/sprat.pl.

2.1 Conservation Status

The three species of handfish considered in this recovery plan are listed as threatened under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). The spotted handfish is also listed under the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 (refer to Table 1).
The spotted handfish (Brachionichthys hirsutus) and the red handfish (Thymichthys politus) were transferred to the critically endangered category of the EPBC Act in 2012 as the geographic distribution of each species was judged as very restricted and precarious to the survival of the species. The Ziebell's handfish (Brachiopsilus ziebelli) was transferred from the Endangered Species Protection Act 1992 to the vulnerable list of the EPBC Act when it came into force in July 2000.
Table 1: National and state conservation status of the three species of handfish covered in this recovery plan.
Species                              Conservation Status
National                             Tasmania
Spotted handfish                     Critically Endangered1  Endangered2
(Brachionichthys hirsutus)                                   Protected3
Red handfish                         Critically Endangered1  Protected3
(Thymichthys politus)
Ziebell's / Waterfall Bay handfish   Vulnerable1             Protected3
(Brachiopsilus ziebelli)

Relevant legislation:
1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
2 Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 (Tas)
3 Living Marine Resources Management Act 1995 (Tas)

2.2 Handfish Recovery Group
The recovery program for handfish is coordinated by the Handfish Recovery Group (HRG) which was formed in 2014. This recovery team replaced the Spotted Handfish Recovery Team. The membership of the HRG currently includes individuals with relevant expertise from DotE, DPIPWE, CSIRO, DEP and UTAS as well as independent researchers and community divers; however, membership may change over time. The HRG provides advice and assists in coordinating the recovery actions outlined in this recovery plan.

3 Background

3.1 Spotted handfish (Brachionichthys hirsutus)

3.1.1  Species description and distribution in Australian waters
Spotted handfish are small, colourful, slow moving benthic (sea-floor dwelling) fish. Adults are typically 70–90 mm total length (Last et al., 2007) and grow to a maximum of 143 mm (Last and Gledhill, 2009). The species has a relatively short, rounded body that tapers towards the tail and is covered with small spines (Last et al., 1983). The upper surface and sides of the head and body are white or pale pink, and covered with numerous orange, brown or black spots that have orange borders (Last et al., 1983). Spotted handfish have unique markings which allow for identification of individuals (Bruce et al., 1997).
Spotted handfish are endemic to south-east Tasmania (refer to Table 2 and Figure