Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00300:body:0:p4
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00300
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 9646–12690

rock that support sponge and algae communities, rocky-bottomed seafloor, on rock ledges and in cracks on open walls and in caves and on the edge of giant kelp forests, with a depth distribution ranging from 3 to 20 metres.

Habitat critical for survival:
Habitat critical to the survival of these taxa is defined as:
    * the current area of occupancy of one or more taxa;
    * any newly discovered locations that extend the area of occupancy for one or more taxa.

Recovery plan objectives:
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.

Recovery team:
Recovery teams provide advice and assist in coordinating actions described in recovery plans. They include representatives from organisations with a direct interest in the recovery of the species, including those involved in funding and those participating in actions that support the recovery of the species. The Handfish Recovery Group has the responsibility of providing advice, coordinating and directing the implementation of the recovery actions outlined in this recovery plan. The membership of the Handfish Recovery Group currently includes individuals with relevant expertise from DotE, DPIPWE, DEP, UTAS, independent researchers and community divers; however, membership may change over time.

Recovery strategies:
The strategies to achieve the plans' objectives are to:
    * Increase spawning success for handfish;
    * Reduce impacts on handfish, and their habitat;
    * Consider options for the active management of handfish;
    * Improve knowledge of the distribution, abundance and population trends of handfish;
    * Increase understanding of habitat health and threats to handfish habitat; and,
    * Encourage community participation in the conservation of handfish.

Criteria for success:
This recovery plan will be deemed successful if, within 10 years, all of the following have been achieved:
    * Population densities of spotted handfish have increased at each known location.
    * Known populations of spotted handfish, including any new populations discovered, have been regularly monitored.
    * Surveys for red handfish and Ziebell's handfish have been conducted in likely habitats.
    * Understanding of the distribution and abundance of red handfish and Ziebell's handfish has increased.
    * The preferred habitat for each species of handfish covered by this plan has been identified and mapped.
    * The factors limiting population growth for each species of handfish covered by this plan have been identified.
    * Artificial spawning habitat, if found to be effective at increasing spawning success, has been provided at key locations to support spotted handfish spawning.