A spotted handfish, believed to be locally extinct in the Primrose Sands area near Hobart, has been discovered by a runner on a beach.
The species, initially mistaken for a toadfish by the runner, has not been seen in the area for almost 20 years.
Research technician Carlie Devine said the sighting ‘gives them cause’ to search the Primrose Sands area again.
“We thought this spotted handfish population at Primrose Sands was locally extinct, and that it had been since before 2005,” she told the ABC.
Handfish are listed as critically endangered and their decline has been attributed to factors such as dredge fishing and coastal development.
Scientists estimate there are approximately 2,000 spotted handfish left in the wild, with only nine isolated populations.
The CSIRO is working to save the species by providing artificial spawning habitats and has an ‘insurance population’ breeding program in commercial aquariums.
