studying red handfish
Monitoring rare and cryptic fish species
Revolutionising Research
Scientists have developed a creative strategy to track critically endangered species in shallow coastal habitats, by combining eDNA sampling and scuba surveys with 3D-printed models.
Conserving the Critically Endangered
This study focuses on the red handfish, a critically endangered species, to refine monitoring and conservation efforts. With only about 100 adult red handfish remaining in the wild, it's crucial to understand their detection probabilities and locate undiscovered populations to guide conservation efforts.
Innovative Insights
3D-printed replicas allowed scientists to determine the accuracy of their search efforts when undertaking red handfish surveys. Divers discovered 3D-printed handfish replicas with up to 97% accuracy, while eDNA tests detected the species in just 13% of samples.
This groundbreaking research not only helps enhance conservation efforts for known threatened species, but could also identify other inconspicuous species at risk of population decline.
“These results show that scientists have high detection rates of this species, but it is concerning that there are so few red handfish left.”
Cracking the Code
Population data is crucial for successful conservation, but obtaining it for rare, small, and cryptic marine species can be quite challenging. This study highlights the importance of refining monitoring techniques for threatened species. While diver-based methods offer higher confidence in determining presence–absence of red handfish, eDNA could cover larger spatial scales.
“There is so much to be done, but we’re working with an incredible team and some keen citizen scientists”
“We need to manage their habitat in the long term better if we want to halt the decline of the species.”
Help the handfish
This research was made possible thanks to CSIRO, Australian Government, Tasmanian Government, Sea World Research and Rescue Foundation Inc.
Download the paper by Tyson Bessell and colleagues here. Images on this article have been supplied by Tyson Bessell and Olivia Johnson.
If you want to help save the critically endangered red handfish, consider a donation to the Handfish Conservation Project: https://www.utasalumni.org.au/handfish-conservation
Surveying for Solutions
eDNA is a non-invasive method gaining popularity in marine conservation and shows promise as a useful methodology, especially if detection rates can be improved. Trace amounts of DNA from organisms can help detect endangered species and manage invasive ones. Combining eDNA and structured underwater visual census surveys can help determine if current population monitoring efforts are adequate for the remaining habitat occupied by rare species like the red handfish.
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