In a major milestone for marine conservation, scientists in Tasmania have successfully released 65 captive-bred red handfish back into their native coastal waters. The move marks a hopeful step forward for one of the world’s rarest marine species, whose survival has long been on the brink.

The red handfish (Thymichthys politus) is listed as Critically Endangered, with fewer than 250 individuals believed to remain in the wild. Found only in small patches of reef off Frederick Henry Bay, these remarkable fish are instantly recognizable for their “hands” — modified pectoral fins that allow them to walk across the seabed rather than swim.

This release is part of a long-term recovery project led by the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), supported by the Tasmanian Government and Australia’s national Threatened Species Action Plan. Each handfish was raised under careful conditions before being released into protected areas designed to mimic their natural habitat. Prior to release, the fish even went through a form of “handfish school,” helping them adapt to life in the wild by practicing foraging and predator awareness.

Australia’s Environment Minister, Murray Watt, called the project “a small but vital victory,” emphasizing that “for this species, every fish counts.” The government has invested over AUD 2 million into handfish conservation, funding captive breeding, habitat restoration, and field research to support the species’ long-term survival.

While challenges remain — including pollution, habitat loss, and the impacts of climate change — this successful release represents a significant moment of optimism. It shows that with science, collaboration, and persistence, even the most fragile marine species can be given a second chance at life in the wild.