Informed conservation measures for temperate marine threatened species and their habitats, such as the critically endangered spotted handfish (Brachionichthys hirsutus) in southern Tasmania requires understanding of typical thermal regimes and space/time predictions of future thermal conditions. We used hindcasts from high resolution models of temperature and DO2 in spotted handfish sites to characterise a thermal envelope for the species. We also use the models to evaluate how the thermal conditions may have changed through time and examine correlations with monitoring series. We present early results on the availability of thermal refuges throughout SE Tasmania for this species.
We discuss the need for continuous habitat assessment, in this case via forecasts of temperature and dissolved oxygen concentration from climate models can inform management in response to environmental shifts. This initial work is important for building an integrated approach aims to enhance the effectiveness of intervention measures for Threatened, Endangered, and Protected Species (TEPS) by ensuring proactive and informed conservation actions.