Base measures of current population size, and age/class structure are identified and dispersal rates are assessed. Strategy 1b - Increase spawning success for spotted handfish Action Description Priority Performance Criteria Responsibility Indicative Cost (priority 1 only) 1b (1) Assess the effects of artificial 1 Spotted handfish use of artificial spawning substrate is Research $90 000 pa spawning habitat on spotted recorded, with eggs and subsequent number of juveniles community year project) handfish reproductive output. DPIPWE counted after each breeding season. Data is analysed to determine effectiveness of artificial spawning habitat for increasing handfish recruitment and results are reported to DotE and DPIPWE. 1b (2) Design and implement a 1 Key locations for the deployment of artificial spawning habitat Research $50 000 pa artificial spawning habitat are identified (e.g. sites in which natural spawning substrate is community (three year project program and deploy artificial Volunteer dive for two new sites) found to be a limiting factor). spawning habitat at additional groups The results of action 1b (1) are used to inform the design of a spotted handfish sites to DPIPWE long-term program for the deployment and maintenance of increase the spawning artificial spawning habitat. success of spotted handfish. Artificial spawning habitat is deployed at additional sites and handfish use of the additional artificial spawning habitat is assessed. The condition of artificial substrate is assessed at yearly intervals after deployment and the average longevity of substrate is determined. 1b (3) Improve knowledge of spotted 2 Spawning triggers for spotted handfish are identified (e.g. water Research - handfish spawning triggers. temperature triggers or seasonal triggers). community DPIPWE
Base measures of current population size, and age/class structure are identified and dispersal rates are assessed. Strategy 1b - Increase spawning success for spotted handfish Action Description Priority Performance Criteria Responsibility Indicative Cost (priority 1 only) 1b (1) Assess the effects of artificial spawning habitat on spotted handfish reproductive output. 1 Spotted handfish use of artificial spawning substrate is recorded, with eggs and subsequent number of juveniles counted after each breeding season. Data is analysed to determine effectiveness of artificial spawning habitat for increasing handfish recruitment and results are reported to DotE and DPIPWE. Research community DPIPWE $90 000 pa year project) 1b (2) Design and implement a artificial spawning habitat program and deploy artificial spawning habitat at additional spotted handfish sites to increase the spawning success of spotted handfish. 1 Key locations for the deployment of artificial spawning habitat are identified (e.g. sites in which natural spawning substrate is found to be a limiting factor). The results of action 1b (1) are used to inform the design of a long-term program for the deployment and maintenance of artificial spawning habitat. Artificial spawning habitat is deployed at additional sites and handfish use of the additional artificial spawning habitat is assessed. The condition of artificial substrate is assessed at yearly intervals after deployment and the average longevity of substrate is determined. Research community Volunteer dive groups DPIPWE $50 000 pa (three year project for two new sites) 1b (3) Improve knowledge of spotted handfish spawning triggers. 2 Spawning triggers for spotted handfish are identified (e.g. water temperature triggers or seasonal triggers). Research community DPIPWE -
draft-recovery-plan-three-handfish-species.docx