At Burgh, our love for the local runs deep – and sometimes, underwater. We’ve taken a dive into marine conservation by sponsoring Harriet, a red handfish through Hobart’s Handfish Conservation Project – an initiative dedicated to saving one of the planet’s most endangered fish species.
Yes, she walks. No, not on land – with pectoral fins that let her strut along the seabed like she owns it. Iconic.
Why Harriet Matters
With fewer than 100 red handfish left in the wild, they’re more elusive than a tailwind on a climb. Native only to the waters off southern Tasmania, these handfish are facing threats from habitat loss, climate change and invasive species.
Sponsoring Harriet is one small but meaningful step in supporting ongoing research, habitat restoration and education – all crucial components of the broader Red Handfish Recovery Plan.
“Sponsoring a handfish isn’t just about saving a species; it’s about preserving the intricate tapestry of our marine ecosystems.”
What the Project Does
The Handfish Conservation Project is a collaborative effort between IMAS, CSIRO and the University of Tasmania. It focuses on:
Monitoring wild populations
Trialling new habitat structures
Improving breeding success in captivity
Raising public awareness (because once you meet a handfish, you never forget it)
We’re proud to support this incredible work and give Harriet a fighting chance.
Join Us (and Harriet)
By partnering with this project, we’re not just investing in conservation – we’re inviting our community to be part of it too. Harriet is a quirky little reminder that every species plays a role in our ecosystem, no matter how small or strange.
“Every action counts. Together, we can ensure that the red handfish doesn’t become a footnote in history.”
Want to help Harriet and her hand-walking friends?
Learn more about the programme here and explore the full recovery plan.
