CSIRO scientists sequence first ever Spotted Handfish genome

Researchers at CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, have successfully mapped the complete genome of the rare Spotted Handfish (Brachionichthys hirsutus), a critically endangered species native to Tasmania.

Once abundant off Tasmania’s southeast coast, this unique fish has seen its population drop dramatically, becoming the first marine species to be classified as critically endangered in 1996. It’s now estimated that fewer than 2,000 individuals remain in the wild.

The steep decline of the Spotted Handfish is linked to historical fishing practices, coastal development, climate change, and the introduction of invasive species. The newly sequenced genome, achieved through CSIRO’s Applied Genomics Initiative (AGI), will be a vital tool in conservation efforts.

CSIRO Senior Research Scientist, Dr. Gunjan Pandey, emphasized that this breakthrough will support ongoing efforts to increase the population and track genetic diversity.

“The genome helps us understand how an organism functions,” Dr Pandey said.

“It provides a foundation for understanding gene expression in daily life and offers insights into its evolutionary history.

“With the genome, we can assist with species detection, monitor populations, and even estimate the fish’s lifespan.”

Principal Investigator, Carlie Devine, who specialises in the conservation and management of the Spotted Handfish, said this rich genetic information will help inform conservation strategy over the long term.

“Conservation measures are expanding to include genetics,” Ms Devine said.

“Recognising a multidisciplinary approach alongside ecology research is essential for effective conservation of threatened species.”

Dr Pandey said the opportunity to sequence the genome of the elusive animal arose when a Spotted Handfish passed away of natural causes in captivity.

“Marine species like the Spotted Handfish are notoriously difficult to work with,” Dr Pandey said.

“The DNA degrades rapidly and becomes contaminated with microorganisms.

“This makes assembling a pure genome extremely challenging.”

The team successfully sequenced the full genome using only a small sample of low-quality DNA, applying a method known as the low-input protocol. This achievement was made in collaboration with the Biomolecular Resource Facility at the Australian National University.

“We are one of only three teams globally using this protocol,” Dr Pandey said.

“We customised the entire process – from the set-up of the lab to the bioinformatics software – to sequence a high-quality genome from poor-quality DNA.

“What used to take six to twelve months, we can now accomplish in days. This technology holds huge promise for our understanding and conservation of endangered species across Australia and around the world.”

Since 1997, CSIRO scientists have been closely monitoring nine distinct populations of the Spotted Handfish within the Derwent Estuary.

Their comprehensive conservation efforts involve a combination of a captive breeding program and innovative techniques for restoring the fish’s natural habitat.

Byron Shire Council Steps Up Fight Against Litter with EPA Grant

Byron Shire Council is pleased to announce it has secured a $420,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Environment Protection Authority (EPA). This funding, part of the EPA’s Litter Prevention Grants program, will be instrumental in combating litter across the Shire.

This timely boost comes as the Council begins rolling out its newly developed Litter and Illegal Dumping Prevention Strategy, which aims to foster long-term behavioural change among residents, businesses, and visitors over the next five years.

Jordyn de Boer, from the Council’s Resource Recovery team, highlighted the significance of the grant, noting that Byron Shire is one of just 16 councils across NSW to receive this funding.

“This grant will enable us to fully implement the litter management component of our Litter and Illegal Dumping Prevention Strategy, which is fantastic news for both the Council and the broader community,” Ms. de Boer said.

“Litter costs the Shire approximately $1.45 million annually. It places a significant financial burden on ratepayers, while also posing health risks and endangering our local wildlife and natural environment.”

A recent EPA litter study revealed that plastic items, particularly takeaway food and beverage packaging, constitute 81% of litter in NSW. Byron Shire Council’s own litter monitoring efforts over the past five years identified balloons, party decorations, fishing waste, and cigarette butts as additional key contributors to the litter problem.

The Council’s strategy specifically targets these problem items through initiatives like the Balloon-Free Byron Shire campaign, Source to Sea program, and partnerships with local businesses aimed at reducing waste at the source. Ensuring proper waste management practices will also be a central focus of the effort.

Additionally, the strategy includes the installation of infrastructure designed to support a circular economy, reinforcing the Council’s commitment to sustainable waste management.

For more information on the Council’s litter and illegal dumping prevention efforts, visit the Byron Shire Council website.

Eroded Bank of Simpsons Creek Restored and Stabilised

A severely eroded section of Simpsons Creek, near the Brunswick Heads Bowling Club, has been successfully repaired. The creek, a popular spot for both locals and visitors, had been experiencing long-term erosion, which worsened in recent months. The damage had washed away a portion of the gravel footpath and a light, prompting urgent restoration efforts.

This week, contractors carefully filled the eroded area with sand and compacted it, taking care to avoid damaging nearby tree roots. Malcolm Robertson, Acting Director of Infrastructure Services, emphasized the challenges of working in such a delicate environment.

“There are a lot of considerations when working on a project like this because of the sensitive marine environment,” Mr. Robertson said. “It’s not just a case of filling in the eroded section—we need to make it as strong as possible, otherwise the damage will most likely reoccur.”

After filling and compacting the area, it was top-dressed and stabilised using natural coir mesh. Native grasses and other plant species were then introduced, and the area was fenced off to allow the bank to stabilise and the plants to establish themselves.

In partnership with the Brunswick Heads Progress Association, large rocks have been sourced to create a car park, preventing vehicles from driving too close to the creek bank. The footpath is also undergoing repairs, and the damaged lighting will be replaced to ensure the safety and enjoyment of visitors.

This restoration project highlights the careful balance between infrastructure maintenance and environmental preservation.