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Handfish Conservation Project
POSITIVE IMPACT STORIES

Handfish Conservation Project

Handfish Conservation Project

Positive impact practices

Coordinates research and recovery by IMAS (University of Tasmania), CSIRO, the Reef Life Survey Foundation and partners, under the National Handfish Recovery Team. Priority areas include captive breeding and reintroduction, population and genetic studies, novel and citizen-science detection methods, habitat protection and restoration, and public education.

Environmental benefits

Works to prevent the extinction of the Red Handfish and recover all three Critically Endangered Tasmanian handfish species through habitat protection and restoration, population monitoring, genetic studies and captive breeding.

Social benefits

Engages the public and local community through education, outreach and citizen science, and builds collaborations between universities, government and the public.

Location

Based in southern Tasmania; coordinated by the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) at the University of Tasmania. The handfish are found only in southern Tasmanian waters.
Hobart, Tasmania
Nature and Wildlife

Handfish Conservation Project

The Handfish Conservation Project, established in 2018, works to recover three Critically Endangered handfish species found only in southern Tasmania: the Red, Spotted and Ziebell’s Handfish. These small, seabed-dwelling fish face habitat loss, pollution, invasive species and climate change. The Red Handfish may number as few as 70 individuals, and Ziebell’s Handfish has not been seen in over a decade. Visitors can support the work by donating, naming a Red Handfish, or reporting sightings.
Website
Donate
Report a handfish sighting

How you can help

Donate to the project (or name a Red Handfish). Report a Red or Ziebell’s Handfish sighting through the Red Alert citizen-science form. Learn about the three species and the threats they face.

Positive Impact Regions

nipaluna / Greater Hobart

Positive Impact Tags

Conservation, Coastal, Education & Awareness, Habitat Restoration, Wilderness, Wildlife
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Article Details

Article Created: 20 August 2026
Last Updated: 26 August 2026

The Hobart and Beyond Editorial Team is dedicated to bringing you the best insider tips, local stories, and up-to-date guides to exploring southern Tasmania.

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