Test & Review

The following observations are offered based on this study results. If more time was available, a more
systematic data collection technique and scientific method would be followed. This would involve
placing identical transects at different sites in the bay and collecting systematic data. This data would
consist of baseline seastar numbers and how the presence of bait would then change this. In addition,
the effects on other non-target species would be noted, in terms of numbers and observed behavioural
changes.

If this technique would work, it would be expected that a baseline level of population density along
transects would increase after bait had been offered. Success would involve seeing no other adverse
behavioural changes from other species, whilst increasing the ease with which Pacific Seastars can be
removed.

Method: A 50m length of orange builders string was used, with one end secured to an in-situ
rock, then the length unravelled and attached to suitable points. A baseline survey of seastars and other
species was made, by counting individuals present 1.5m either side (150 square metres in total). A bait
tin was then left in place at the midway point for 30 minutes and changes noted, particularly any
attraction from seastars. Ideally, this length of time would be tested more systematically. In addition,
individual seastars were sought to see if they changed their behaviour in the presence of bait. Transects
were used along various locations across a c.1km stretch of coast. The habitat was largely soft sandy
sediment with shall fragments and exposed rocky outcrops. The average depth was approximately 2m.

On one transect, at the Eastern end of the test area, numerous native Giant Biscuitstars were noted. It
was decided not to test this area with bait, in case it changed the behaviour of this species, although this
would require further investigation. A Decorator Crab in the same location was also a concern in the
same way. The location was moved away from their position. Another transect had the presence of
two species of Stingrays, a potential hazard to snorkelling, although they moved away very quickly and
were an amazing sighting.

Seastars were not removed during the testing period. However, other people may have removed them,
subsequently affecting results.

Ideally, a team of volunteers would make this technique easier, since multiple transects with several bait
areas could be monitored simultaneously, which would cancel out changes with tides, lunar cycles, water
temperature and other environmental factors which may be affecting animal behaviour. The absence of
free time and snorkeller availability limited the data collection opportunities, although this serves as a
test of the principles involved. In addition, a GPS unit and the use of underwater photography would
also enhance the quality of data. This would ensure multiple testing of the same location in different
dates and more accurate recording of species present.

Results:

Date Baseline Seastars Seastars present Environmental Other notable

per 150m2 after bait laid conditions species observed

2/4/22 6 12 High tide Clear Biscuit Star,

and still Decorator Crab,
Lions Mane
Jellyfish.
3/4/22 2 8 Clear and still Southern Eagle
Ray, Smooth
Stingray
9/4/22 7 6 Overcast, clear Black Bream?
16/4/22 5 5 Overcast, clear Oulactis
Anemone, Sea
Hare
21/4/22 1 1 Low tide and Oulactis
lower visibility Anemones, Sea
Hare (3),
Flounder sp.

List of Common and Scientific Names:

Sea Hare Aplysia sydneyensis

Smooth Stingray Bathytoshia brevicaudata

Southern Eagle Ray Myliobatis australis

Decorator Crab Naxia tumida

Biscuit Star Parvulastra exigua and Tosia australis

Discussion:

During the test period, numbers of seastars appeared to be dropping. Also, the individuals
seen on later dates looked smaller. This may indicate that adults are retreating to deeper
waters during the Autumn, rather than being an actual drop in numbers. Therefore, whilst
this technique does show promise, it is difficult to conclude anything about its effectiveness
at this stage. Further testing would be required regarding the effect on other species,
effectiveness at different times of year, and at different depths.
The density of Pacific Seastars changed on average from 2.8 per 100m2 to 4.3 per 100m2.
However, with such a small sample size, it is difficult to know the significance of this, whilst
oit does show promise. When the bait can was placed within c.1m of a seastar, on 6
occasions, the animal did begin moving towards the can on each occasion. The difficulty in
diving and measuring distances makes this logistically and practically challenging, especially
in fairly cold water.

Overall, this has potential for success, although further analysis is required.

Transcript of emails from CSIRO:

Subject: Re: Info on Spotted Handfish and Seastars
To: Barrett, Justine (O&A, Hobart) <Justine.Barrett@csiro.au>

Great, thanks for that.

On Mon, Apr 4, 2022 at 10:30 AM Barrett, Justine (O&A, Hobart) <Justine.Barrett@csiro.au> wrote:

From: O'Neill, Helen (NCMI, Hobart) <Helen.O'Neill@csiro.au>

Date: Wed, Apr 6, 2022 at 11:05 AM
Subject: RE: Handfish v Seastars

Sounds like a wonderful idea! Unfortunately the only place to see live handfish (without getting your feet wet) is
Seahorse World at Beauty Point, nothing down south. Maybe a road trip is on order.

Thanks,

Helen

I am a diver on the handfish projects. I can’t comment specifically on the situation at

Ralphs Bay but seastars are documented to degrade the spawning habitat
(ascidians) the handfish use. Handfish lay their eggs around the base of the
ascidians and guard the nest until the eggs hatch. Maybe you’ve seen photos of this.
Less ascidians means limited spawning potential. Tim Lynch at CSIRO might be able
to answer more specifically about the situation at Ralphs Bay, but as far as I’m
aware it’s no different to other sites, in terms of handfish.

Hopefully that helps a little?

Cheers,
Helen O’Neill
Research Technician | Australian National Fish Collection
National Research Collections Australia
CSIRO
E: helen.oneill@csiro.au | M: +61 475 518 361 | P: +61 362 32 5236
A: CSIRO, Castray Esplanade, Hobart, TAS, 7004, AUSTRALIA