DoctorJemina Stuart-Smith

Project Total: $8,475; The red handfish (Thymichthys politus) is one of the worlds most threatened marine fishes, with the remaining wild population confined to two small reef patches in southeast Tasmania. Its primary threat is habitat loss caused by overgrazing from shortspined sea urchins, which remove the seaweed canopy required for shelter and spawning. Longterm survival therefore depends on targeted, sciencebased restoration that can rebuild functionally suitable habitat. My PhD project evaluates the effectiveness of several restoration strategies, focusing on functional success: reinstating shelter, breeding sites, and a suitable food environment. While shelter and spawning requirements for the red handfish are known, the prey consumed by wild fish has never been identified. Without this knowledge, restoration risks recreating physical structure without restoring essential ecological processes. The project is organised into four chapters. Chapter 1 identifies the wild diet of red handfish and examines how urchin-driven habitat degradation affects food availability. Chapter 2 involves a manipulative field experiment at a historical red handfish site, testing strategies to expand current habitat through boulder translocation. Chapter 3 investigates how urchin removal influences canopy regrowth and associated invertebrate communities at existing red handfish habitat. Chapter 4 trials translocation of urchins from conservation areas to fishing grounds as a combined restoration and fisheryenhancement tool. Holsworth support in the first year will enable completion of the laboratory and field components of Chapter 1. This work includes DNA sequencing of faecal samples to identify prey species and comparisons of invertebrate communities (potential prey) across healthy reefs and urchindegraded sites throughout the species historical range. My PhD aligns with the Holsworth goals by integrating field ecology with conservation actions for the Critically Endangered red handfish. It will deliver practical strategies for restoring red handfish habitat, support the National Handfish Recovery Team, and provide a broader model for coastal reef restoration. Funded by: Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment - Grant-Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment; University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $150,000; Two project components: For spotted handfish: To develop a robust, evidence-based and scalable survey methodology for that improves confidence in population estimates, spatial distribution, and temporal trends, thereby directly informing conservation status assessments and enabling more effective, targeted management and recovery actions. For red handfish: Targeted broodstock supplementation, experimental system upgrades, and genetic analyses that directly inform breeding and reintroduction decisions. Funded by: Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania ($149,912); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $40,000; The project will perform a disease risk assessment (DRA) for the Red Handfish (Thymichthys politus), the Spotted Handfish (Brachionichthys hirsutus) and the Maugean skate (Zearaja maugeana), all listed as endangered under the Threatened Species Protection Act 1995. Drawing on processes described b y the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the DRA will b e a desktop exercise, utilising the published and grey literature on the species of interest and accessible medical and pathology records. It will include both infectious and non-infectious processes, and assess risk under the following scenarios: Risk of disease in captive populations, including disease that may result from management practices such as: live feeding, transfer between facilities, introduction of individuals from the wild. Risk of disease in wild populations, both existing and reintroduced. Risk of introduction of disease to sympatric species through the release of individuals t o the wild. Institution-specific management practices will be included (i.e. specific to the institutions contributing data/information to the DRA), however, much of the content will be applicable and of benefit to other institutions. Funded by: Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania ($39,985); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $149,821; This project will generate critical knowledge on the key threats facing Endangered live-bearing sea star (Parvulastra vivipara) populations at 8 priority sites where populations are declining while working collaboratively with local community groups and councils to improve habitat quality. On-ground actions will focus on removing invasive species and identifying feasible, site-appropriate options for mitigating nutrient pollution. The project has three key objectives: (1) assess the potential for hybridisation between P. vivipara and native and invasive congeners (Parvulastra exigua and Patiriella regularis); (2) identify and evaluate key sources of nutrient pollution affecting P. vivipara populations and habitats; and (3) engage local community groups and councils through hands-on participation in invasive species removals and the identification of feasible and site-specific nutrient-mitigation options. The project will be undertaken in collaboration with Prof. Maria Byrne (University of Sydney) and will involve sampling specimens of P. vivipara, native P. exigua, invasive P. regularis, and putative hybrids (identified based on colour and size). Sampling will occur at 2 sites where populations of P. vivipara are declining and evidence of hybridisation has been observed (Peppermint Bay and Lumeah Point) as well as at 6 additional sites where P. vivipara populations are declining but no visible hybrids have been recorded, including Lewisham, Fortescue Bay, Susans Bay, Pitt Water Bluff, and Tessellated Pavement. In addition, 3 control sites where P. vivipara populations remain relative stable (NW Pitt Water, SW Pipeclay Lagoon and Bambra Reef) will be sampled for comparison. In parallel, the project will implement a water-quality monitoring program in partnership with existing collaborators including Southern Beaches Coastcare, Lumeah Point Wildcare, and Woodbridge Marine Discovery Centre and the Tasman council. Sampling will be undertaken by IMAS scientists or trained community participants, depending on site location, and will occur at the same 10 sites (as above) before and during rainfall events, targeting both known or suspected point sources of nutrient inputs and the broader site-scale. These data will be used to identify priority strategies for building the resilience of P. vivipara populations at the 8 priority sites where declines in P. vivipara populations are most pronounced. The combined information will guide the prioritisation of sites for targeted invasive species removals, delivered in collaboration with existing partners. In addition, the project will work with local councilsboth established partners (Tasman and Sorell Councils) and new collaborators (Kingborough and Clarence Councils)to identify realistic, site-appropriate nutrient-mitigation options (e.g. septic system upgrades or bioretention basins). By integrating council and community participation with scientific monitoring and habitat management, the project will build local conservation capacity and improve P. vivipara habitat. The approach will support informed and sustainable conservation outcomes, improve alignment between science, management, and community priorities, and provide a transferable framework applicable to other threatened Funded by: Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania - Grant-Competitive Grants ($149,821); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $235,000; Habitat augmentation will be undertaken at the two remaining red handfish sites: Component 1: Reef expansion at Primrose Sands To counteract habitat loss, impacts of destructive native urchin overgrazing will be reduced through urchin removals and translocation to high-value urchin fishery-depleted areas, and reef-expansion will be achieved through the transplantation of seaweed-bearing boulders to the deeper sand edge and adjacent barrens. This intervention will enhance the critical interface ecotone between reefs and seagrass habitats where red handfish were observed to be most abundant historically and provide a corridor to a deeper-water refuge less prone to heatwaves, storm-driven wave action, and freshwater pulse events. Translocation of urchins will also provide co-benefits to the commercial short-spined sea urchin fishery through proactive, adaptive management; the urchin fishery has recently seen Total Allowable Catch cuts following depletion of localised high-value harvest areas. Component 2: Improving habitat connectivity at Site 2 To reduce habitat fragmentation at Site 2, we will examine habitat patch use across the bay, using this information to inform habitat corridor construction to enhance connectivity for the red handfish. These corridors will improve access to critical habitat and facilitate the settlement of benthic organisms, thereby increasing seaweed cover and supporting overall ecosystem stability, health and resilience. Outcomes for red handfish: Immediately increase available habitat for red handfish at Primrose Sands by 50% percent in the first yearFacilitate improved survival of captive red handfish translocated back to the wild, increasing potential for population rebuilding and long-term stabilisationReduced habitat fragmentation allowing greater connection of red handfish populations through improved habitat corridors and deeper water refugia from threatening environmental events Benefits to other species/fisheries: Reef-extension will enhance local biodiversity and strengthen ecosystem resilienceShort-spined sea urchin translocations will recover high-value urchin depleted areas and enhance the commercial urchin fishery, promoting long term urchin controlIncrease available habitat for other cool water affiliated species in Frederick Henry Bay Seagrass is a nursery for many species (including squid and other fishes) and improved conditions will benefit these species Funded by: Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania ($234,976); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $7,390; The red handfish (Thymichthys politus) is a unique, small, slow-moving marine teleost endemic to south-eastern lutruwita characterised by its unusual walking movement. The species has been listed as critically endangered due to their small population that is fewer than 100 mature fish across two restricted sites. The coastal regions that the red handfish inhabit are negatively impacted by anthropogenic stressors, climate change and introduced and range-extending species, which reduce the species already limited habitat. To safeguard the species from extinction, a red handfish captive breeding program has been established. This program was also created to allow bolstering of the wild population through eventual translocation (release back to the natural environment). My PhD aims to improve the protocols of the already established red handfish captive breeding program through quantifying reproductive strategies, identifying sexual maturity ages and assessing habitat preferences. Not only would this information address biological and ecological knowledge gaps of this species; this information could also improve captive breeding protocols. Leading to an increase of successful fertilisation and hatching of red handfish eggs in captivity and survival of post-released individuals. Funded by: Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment - Grant ($18,642); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $842,935; The critically endangered red handfish (Thymichthys politus) is now restricted to a single location, with an estimated population of only 100 individuals. Habitat loss and degradation, particularly the decline of seagrass meadows (Heterozostera nigricaulis), are major threats to its survival. While previous conservation efforts have focused on urchin removals, active seagrass restoration is now proposed as a complementary strategy to enhance and expand critical habitat. To support this initiative, the University of Tasmania will establish a temperate seagrass restoration facility to develop and trial innovative methods for seagrass seed collection, storage, propagation, and restoration. Initial trials will use the closely related Zostera muelleri as a proof-of-concept before scaling up to Heterozostera nigricaulis ahead of its flowering season. Funded by: Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water - Tender ($841,148); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $376,416; This proposal aims to implement measures that will prevent the extinction of P. vivipara at five high-risk locations, excluding Pitt Water Estuary Nature (9,125 m2), Bambra Reef (945 m2 extent), Southport Lagoon (2,563 m2 extent) and Lewisham (31 m2 and 2 individuals remaining). These six locations (~555 m2 extent) are at critically high risk of local extinction, with fewer than 500 individuals remaining. External ref: SNSEA000008 Funded by: Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water - Grant - Saving Native Species ($376,416); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $308,341; Handfish are amongst the rarest fishes globally, with 11 of the 14 described species occurring only in waters around Tasmania. Currently, two species (spotted and red handfish) are listed as critically endangered under the Commonwealth EPBC Act 1999, while a third (Ziebells handfish) is listed as vulnerable. These three species along with a fourth (the pink handfish) are listed as endangered under the Tasmanian Species Protection Act 1995, and also on the IUCN red list. These listings recognise the threatened nature of these species under scenarios of increasing anthropogenic pressures, including climate change, and the need for efforts to better understand the distribution and trends in populations of handfish species. Handfish have been identified as a research need by Parks Australia, with recent monitoring of the Huon and Tasman Fracture Marine Parks (HMP and TFMP respectively) revealing significant populations of handfish in depths > 70 metres. This included the confirmed sighting of a pink handfish, the only observation since 1999, gaining significant media attention. However, the majority of individual handfish (~ 90 fish) observed were in imagery of insufficient resolution to identify to species level. Consultation with an expert on handfish identification has indicated that there are likely a range of species present in both TFMP and HMP, including additional pink handfish and potentially populations of Ziebells, red, spotted, warty and Australian handfish. If these species can be confirmed to be present it would significantly extend the depth and known geographical range for the majority of these species. This project will use a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and eDNA sampling to identify handfish species present in TFMP and HMP and the habitats which they inhabit. Indigenous sea rangers from the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre (TAC) will be directly involved in the project, gaining hands-on experience using an ROV for marine monitoring. The ROV will have high-definition cameras attached, and the imagery will be used for confirmation of the species of each fish observed. Water samples will also be collected in close vicinity of observed handfish to allow collection of eDNA to allow further verification of the species. Primers will be developed to identify individual handfish species in eDNA samples. This project will vastly improve the understanding of the distribution of conservation dependent handfish species across SE Australia and particularly in the TFMP and HMP. This knowledge will help with improved understanding of how AMPs are contributing to the protection of biodiversity and natural values, and in particular threatened and endangered handfish species. Funded by: Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment - Our Marine Parks Grant; Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water ($308,341); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $3,500,000; Ecological conditions for the threatened Giant Kelp Forest Ecological Community? will be improved by implementing 7 in-water actions to protect and restore giant kelp in eastern Tasmania. IMAS researchers have shown that giant kelp restoration is contingent on a whole-of-reef ecosystem approach combining recent breakthroughs in kelp re-seeding and understanding of ecological conditions favouring giant kelp, including need to reduce kelp grazing sea urchins. Local success in restoration will be scaled-up by targeted sea urchin harvest, rebuilding local populations of urchin-eating lobsters, plus underwater gardening by recreational dive voluntourism and coastal community groups to improve ecological conditions for remnant and restored forests. Funded by: Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water - Grant - Saving Native Species ($3,500,001); The Nature Conservancy Australia ($264,000); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $239,650; This project investigates the health and recovery of seagrass, a potentially important habitat for the critically endangered red handfish, through habitat monitoring, water quality and sediment assessment, and collecting and trials to germinate seagrass seeds. The project also investigates animal health of captive and wild populations of red handfish to improve understanding of prevalence and treatment of disease. Funded by: Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water - Grant - Saving Native Species ($239,650); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $1,403,961; Recovery of red handfish and their habitats using captive breeding, translocation, site rehabilitation and threat mitigation strategies. Funded by: Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water - Donation ($248,805); The Foundation For Australia's Most Endangered Species ($1,255,077); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $218,588; Restoration of Critically Endangered red handfish habitats through multiple approaches including removal of urchins and replanting of vegetation, combined with seasonal dive surveys to assess changes (in habitat, urchins, and red handfish population). Funded by: Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment - Grant - Environment Restoration Fund; Southern Regional Natural Resource Management Association Inc (NRM South); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $124,295; Requested work by the Australian Government threatened species unit for red handfish. The critically endangered Red Handfish is in imminent threat of becoming extinct. Only two small populations in south-eastern Tasmania exist and on-ground actions are critical to the species' survival. Globally, handfish are the most endangered family of marine (bony) fish. The current proposal is to support the delivery of The Recovery Plan for Three Species of Handfish (spotted, red and Ziebell's handfish), which is midway through its implementation and has an active recovery team. Avoiding the imminent extinction of the red handfish will be a key priority of the work. This will be achieved through urgent on-ground actions including: * continued head-starting at IMAS * continued population/habitat monitoring * development of best practice guidelines * continuing to slowly grow efforts to maintain a successful captive breeding and rewilding program for the species. Funded by: Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment ($124,295); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $412,207; Preliminary trials to look at different treatments for housing seastars in captivity (P. vivipara, and also forst with a surrogate species, P. exigua) as part of the Sorell causeway project (which will require moving the population of P. vivipara, a threatened species, from the causeway during planned roadworks in 2022). Funded by: Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania ($412,207); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $15,815; Marine biodiversity loss may be rapidly increasing as a result of climate change, pollution, fishing, and habitat degradation, but quantifying population trends can be extremely difficult for marine species, which live out-of-sight, are often rare and highly cryptic by nature. My PhD will involve the analysis of existing data on reef species collected through the Reef Life Survey program (www.reeflifesurvey), to evaluate population trends and range sizes. This data has been collected by skilled SCUBA divers using globally standardised methods and provide a unique opportunity to assess threat status for >1,000 reef species. This project will allow me to target additional field surveys in the Albany (Western Australia) region, which is a particularly important area for evaluating the threat status of temperate Australian marine species but remains a key gap in the currently available time-series data for my PhD analyses. Large impacts were observed on endemic WA temperate marine species following the 2011 marine heatwave at Rottnest Island and Jurien Bay, but no post heatwave surveys have been undertaken using the standard methods on the south coast of WA. This region may have provided a critical stronghold for species extirpated from the west coast during the warm years (and possibly now threatened) but follow up surveys are needed to determine this. My project aims to determine which fish, invertebrate and algal species classify as threatened using international, national, and local criteria, provide formal documentation for listing these, and inform managers and the broader community of the species and locations under the greatest threat and requiring the most urgent management attention. This project addresses numerous Holsworth interest areas, including fieldwork on Australian native marine species to identify which are rare and/or threatened and investigate their population dynamics and distributions for best practice conservation and management to maintain biodiversity. Funded by: Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment - Grant ($15,815); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $60,674; Bolstering Red handfish population numbers by continuing a head-starting conservation strategy (collecting eggs from the wild and raising young in captivity, until their return to the wild). Will include temperature manipulation experiments to determine best conditions for growing juveniles and allow us to learn more about the thermal requirements for the species (which will aid future conservation work). Funded by: National Geographic Society - Species On The Brink Of Extinction Grant ($60,674); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $70,494; INTERNAL SMRCA USE ONLY - ORS please do not make any edits. This is an internal SMRCA project and this record is for SMRCA tracking purposes only. Funded by: Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania ($70,494); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $50,000; Requested work by the Australian Government threatened species unit to resurvey red handfish populations and trial new approaches for identifying new populations. Funded by: Department of Environment and Energy (Cwth) ($50,000); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $39,593; Through GPS-tracked SCUBA censuses, we aim to search the two known populations for red handfish in the hope to complete a capture-mark-recapture study via photo-identification. This will allow us to estimate population size for the species - something that is currently not done. Additionally, we will describe growth, movement and habitat preference in the species, as well as trial genetic techniques for genetic population studies. Funded by: Sea World Research and Rescue Foundation Inc - Grant-Research Project ($39,593); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $45,454; Requested work by the Australian Government threatened species unit to resurvey red handfish populations and trial new approaches for identifying new populations. Funded by: Department of Environment and Energy (Cwth) ($45,454); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $3,000; Donation from Peter Hannan for Redmap Australia research and development. Funded by: University of Tasmania Foundation Inc - Donation; University of Tasmania ($3,000).

Project Total: $11,889; Climate change is resulting in higher rates of marine species turnover due to the arrival of warmer water species as cooler water ones move south. This project will develop and facilitate a Redmap 'Community Champions' program in Western Australia to enhance the reporting of marine species that could be shifting their range, increase promotion opportunities, extend Redmap's reach, increase capacity-building and education of local marine issues. Funded by: Western Australian Planning Commission - Grant-Coastwise ($11,889); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $60,000; Funded by: Fisheries Research & Development Corporation - Grant ($60,000); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $300,000; Funded by: Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources - Grant ($300,000); University of Tasmania.