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Scientists say there are fewer than 100 adult red handfish on the planet at the only two known surviving populations at Frederick Henry Bay on Hobart's Eastern shore.
In a unique fundraising project, they have introduced the 100 adult fish to the public to name and try to save the species.
Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies researcher Dr Rick Stuart-Smith, who has been monitoring the red handfish for the past 10 years, said this could be the last chance to save it from extinction.
"The two remaining populations that we know of are incredibly vulnerable, and the fact there are so few individuals remaining means that without intervention they almost certainly face extinction," Dr Stuart-Smith said.
"The best hope for their survival is to have a captive breeding program but we need to focus research on basic questions about their biology, find out whether there are any more undiscovered populations, do what we can to protect them from human-induced impacts, and actively manage their habitat.
"The handfish are charismatic species and an icon of the Tasmanian marine environment, but unfortunately resources are currently limiting what we can do to save them.
"We're taking a multi-pronged approach and I think we can do it. We have a good committee, a good plan and the skills we need."
Each of the 100 red handfish have been introduced to the public with their own individual online profiles.
Dr Stuart-Smith says they can be identified by their unique markings and the new database, which catalogues all known individuals, will be invaluable for collecting the necessary information to investigate how long the fish live, how far individuals move, and how quickly they grow.
People can donate to the Handfish Conservation Project and pay $1000 to name an individual fish.
Dr Stuart-Smith said naming a red handfish was exciting but also had a "serious side".
"It is hoped that being able to name a red handfish will help engage people on the plight of the species by highlighting just how critical population numbers are," he said.
"Everyone who finds out more about the red handfish story in particular, seems genuinely interested and concerned, so we know the public don't want to see them disappear. But that fate seems inevitable without intervention."
Dr Stuart-Smith, who is a member the National Handfish Recovery Team working to save the species, said funds raised through the project would build on other conservation efforts.
"Government and research organisations such as the CSIRO and the NESP Marine Biodiversity Hub have been supporting important handfish research, particularly about the spotted handfish, found on Hobart's doorstep, and the best known of this endangered family," he said.
"But limited Government budgets for threatened species conservation mean that saving the red handfish will require private support, and we need industry, philanthropists and the public to help.
"Every little bit can help, and can be done through the donations page, while those wanting to provide more substantial support have a chance to name one of the only known individuals for $1000,.
To make a donation or name a red handfish go to: www.handfish.org.au