Red Handfish Protection System Map

Threat 1: Habitat Destruction

Threat 03: Habitat Competition

Threat 04: Human Intervention

Solutions

Genetic Conservation

Signs

Sea Urchin Over grazing

Decreased Prey Population

Fragmented Population

Seaweed and sea grass overgrazing

Siltration

Explore genetic conservation methods, such as captive breeding programs, to maintain genetic diversity.

Develop gene banks or repositories for the red handfish to safeguard its genetic material.

Solution: Artificial Habitats

Informational Signs

Solution: Encourage Sea Urchin Fishing

Solutions

QR Code Signs

Solutions

Provide essential information about the red handfish, its habitat, and the importance of conservation.

Annual Sea Urchin Fishing Competitions

Sea Urchin Recipes

3D printed artificial habitats that provide a visual barrier against predators

Seagrass meadow replanting using drones

Removal of purple urchin population in red handfish habitats using automated traps or specialised tools for divers

Habitat Protection Signs

Include QR codes on signs that link to additional online resources, such as videos, virtual tours, or websites with more information about red handfish conservation.

Solutions

Focus on bridging the ecosystems with artificial reefs or seagrass meadows

Limit shipping activity around handfish habitats

Water filtration systems removing particles from habitats

Green infrastructure practices, to limit the amount of particles entering the ocean around handfish habitats

Seasonal or Temporary Signs

If there are specific times or seasons when red handfish are more active or vulnerable, consider using temporary signs to alert visitors to these periods.

Stakeholders

Research and monitoring group

Conservation Authorities

Government Agencies

Parks Australia

Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment

State and Territory Government Departments

Solution: Re-inserting natural predator

Stakeholder: Local and National Governments

Protected Lobster Habitats

Breeding programs

Legislations reforms

Releasing more lobsters into the wild

Academic Institutions

Conservation NGOs

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Australia

WWF-Australia

Reef Life Survey

Creating tools to safely capture handfish to bring to breeding programs to increase breeding options

Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE)

Australian Marine Parks Authority

Fisheries and Aquaculture Departments

University of Tasmania

University of Sydney

Anti-consumable design e.g spikes

Artificial structures which animals can't consume

Protective Habitat cages that keep sea urchins out

Solution: Increase Seagrass Beds

Planting programs

Designated Seagrass Eating Areas

Conservation authorities

Scientific research and monitoring

Solution: Reduced Harvesting

Sustainable Fishing

Establish Seasonal Fishing areas

Artificial Propagation

click to edit

Emphasize the consequences of violating these rules, such as fines or legal actions.

Include information on prohibited activities, such as fishing, anchoring, or littering, that could harm the red handfish or its habitat.

These signs designate protected areas and outline specific rules and regulations for visitors.

Threat 2: Polluted Waters

Solutions

Enforce Environmental Laws

Enforce existing environmental regulations and establish penalties for violations to deter pollution activities.

Plastic Pollution Laws

Various Bans on Single-Use Plastics: Numerous countries and regions have implemented bans or restrictions on single-use plastics to reduce marine plastic pollution, which can threaten marine life, including Red Handfish.

Oil Pollution Laws

Oil Pollution Act (OPA, United States): Regulates oil spill prevention, response, and liability, which are critical for protecting marine environments where Red Handfish live.

Marine Pollution Laws

Regulations that address marine pollution, including chemical pollutants and plastics, can help improve water quality in Red Handfish habitats.

Stakeholders: Educational Institutions

Stakeholders: Government Agencies:

Stakeholders: Local Communities

Stormwater Management

Stakeholder: Conservation Organizations - Implement green infrastructure practices, such as permeable pavements, rain gardens, and retention ponds, to manage and treat stormwater runoff before it enters natural habitats.

Regular Monitoring and Testing

Stakeholder: Scientists & Researchers - Conduct routine water quality monitoring and testing to identify pollution sources and trends, allowing for timely intervention.

Particulate Filtration


Filtration systems for polluted waters are essential for removing contaminants and improving water quality. These systems can vary in complexity and design, depending on the type and extent of pollution

Stakeholder: Conservation Organizations

Mechanical filters are used to remove large particles, debris, and suspended solids from seawater. These can include sand filters, cartridge filters, and bag filters.

Biological Filtration

Biological filtration systems rely on beneficial microorganisms to break down organic pollutants, ammonia, and other contaminants in wastewater. Constructed wetlands and biofilters are examples.