Could be the end: Due to concerns about marine heatwaves, Tasmanian red handfish will no longer be allowed in the wild

a federal environment law exemption that permits scientists to gather 25 of the extremely endangered “walking fish.”

Before anticipated maritime heatwaves that are thought to pose an existential threat to Tasmania’s “emblematic” red handfish, scientists will eradicate up to half of the fish from the wild.

The decline in the seaweed habitat required for breeding has resulted in a population of 50–100 Tasmanian red handfish, which is critically endangered.

Could be the end: Due to concerns about marine heatwaves, Tasmanian red handfish will no longer be allowed in the wild.

The fish will now be kept in breeding facilities in Tasmania to shield them from the anticipated marine heatwaves of summer. The fish utilizes its enormous fins as hands to stroll on the sea floor rather than swim.

According to federal environment law, environment minister Tanya Plibersek has granted scientists permission to harvest up to 25 red handfish.

The Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) will shelter the fish while it keeps an eye out for any symptoms of stress in the wild red handfish population. Should that happen, it will gather the remaining fish and move them to the Institute’s facilities.

According to Plibersek, the government has also spent $240,000 to restore the health of captive animals and enhance the state of the species’ natural habitat.

Plibersek stated in a statement, “The Albanese Government has set a goal of no new extinctions, and this intervention is critical to save Tasmania’s red handfish.”

The waters around southeast Australia are rising at a rate that is nearly four times faster than the worldwide average, according to Adrian Meder, the manager of the Australian Marine Conservation Society’s sustainable seafood program. This suggests that the fish may be the most vulnerable fin fish species in existence.

According to him, “a single unfavorable event could be the end of the species.” Thus, we are extremely glad about this government action.

According to Meder, the organisms causing the most harm were sea urchins, who were capitalizing on the increased sea temperatures.

“They’re growing faster, riding this warm water’s tail down, and tearing up the red handfish habitat in droves.”

The Handfish Conservation Project lists 14 species of handfish that can be found off the coast of southern Australia.

The red handfish is a “treasure,” according to Meder, and is distinguished by its vivid colors and striking visage.