Overfishing and habitat loss drives range contraction of iconic marine fishes to near extinction

Overfishing and habitat loss drives range contraction of iconic marine fishes to near extinction
Abstract:

Extinctions on land are often inferred from sparse sightings over time, but this technique is ill-suited for wide-ranging species. We develop a space-for-time approach to track the spatial contraction and drivers of decline of sawfishes. These iconic and endangered shark-like rays were once found in warm, coastal waters of 90 nations and are now presumed extinct in more than half (n = 46). Using dynamic geography theory, we predict that sawfishes are gone from at least nine additional nations. Overfishing and habitat loss have reduced spatial occupancy, leading to local extinctions in 55 of the 90 nations, which equates to 58.7% of their historical distribution. Retention bans and habitat protections are urgently necessary to secure a future for sawfishes and similar species.

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Pinpointing drivers of extirpation in sea snakes: a synthesis of evidence from Ashmore Reef

Pinpointing drivers of extirpation in sea snakes: a synthesis of evidence from Ashmore Reef
Abstract:

Over the past decade, vertebrate populations globally have experienced significant declines in distribution and abundance. Understanding the reasons behind these population declines is the first step in implementing appropriate management responses to improve conservation outcomes. Uncovering drivers of extirpation events after the fact, however, requires a careful forensic approach to prevent similar declines elsewhere. The once abundant and species-rich sea snake fauna of Ashmore Reef Marine Park, in the Timor Sea, collapsed dramatically in the early 2000s. No such decline has occurred on surrounding reefs. We synthesise the evidence for this collapse and the subsequent slow recovery and evaluate the plausibility of potential drivers for the declines, as well as provide evidence against certain explanations that have been proposed in the past. Our systematic review shows that of seven possible hypotheses considered, at least three are credible and require additional information: (1) stochastic environmental events may have increased the snakes’ susceptibility to pathogens, (2) a resurgence in the abundance of top predators may have induced a localised change in trophic structure, and (3) an acute increase in local boat traffic may have had negative physical impacts. One or more of these factors, possibly acting in combination with as yet other unidentified factors, is the most plausible explanation for the precipitous decline in sea snake populations observed. Based on this position, we identify future research directions with a focus on addressing critical gaps in knowledge to inform and prioritise future management actions.

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Document
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Red handfish juveniles released to boost endangered wild population

November 11, 2020

A captive reared Red Handfish released into the wild
One of the captive-reared Red handfish, resighted days after being returned to the wild. Image: Rick Stuart-Smith

Juvenile Red handfish hatched and raised from eggs at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), CSIRO and Seahorse World have been released back into the wild to help the species avoid extinction.

One patch two patch: last stand for the Red Handfish?

August 22, 2019

Scientists, managers, industry and the community are mobilising to help save Tasmania's Red Handfish from extinction.

Project A10 - Conservation of handfish and their habitat

From left: Spotted handfish.  Image: Tyson Bessell, University of Tasmania. Spotted Handfish. Image: Tim Lynch, CSIRO. Red Handfish. Image: Rick Stuart-Smith, Reef Life Survey.

(Previous project titles - Monitoring and conservation of spotted handfish, Conservation of spotted handfish and their habitat)

Project update, 2019

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