Density estimates of Spotted Handfish (Brachionichthys hirsutus) - GPS Underwater Visual Census. 2015-2016

Dive surveys were conducted in 2015 and 2016 to establish a baseline and monitor the status of the critically endangered spotted handfish (Brachionichthys hirsutus) population. This dataset contains track records of variable length, GPS tracked underwater visual census transects conducted within 11 sites across the Derwent Estuary (n=9) and D'Entrecasteaux Channel (n=2).Records illustrated search effort (transect length, swathed area) and total fish sighted along each transect. Data were also presented in a standardised unit, with density estimates (fish per hectare [Ha]) extrapolated for each transect. In addition, this dataset also included information for each sighting of individual fish. This dataset contains size measurement (total length) and location (depth, latitude, longitude) records for each sighted fish.