[Greens-Media] MEDIA RELEASE - SENATOR CHRISTINE MILNE - Greens call on Campbell to rule out dredging at Ralphs Bay

[Willis, Katrina (Sen C. Milne)]

MEDIA RELEASE

Wednesday, 6 September 2006

Greens call on Campbell to rule out dredging at Ralphs Bay

The Australian Greens today called on federal Environment Minister Ian
Campbell to use the full force of his powers to protect the Ralphs Bay
habitat of Tasmania's unique, critically endangered spotted handfish.

"The spotted handfish once common in the Derwent Estuary and unique to
the area has been almost wiped out by a combination of increased
sediment loading, urban effluents, heavy metal contamination, and the
introduction of the Pacific seastar," Senator Milne said on the eve of
National Threatened Species Day.

"It is environmentally irresponsible for the Tasmanian government to
have invited Walker Corporation to re-submit its proposal for a canal
development in this area. It is now up to the Commonwealth to act to
protect the endangered spotted handfish.

"This amazing little fish that uses its pectoral and pelvic fins to walk
rather than to swim is found only in three small colonies (less than
1000 adult fish in total) in the Derwent Estuary, including one colony
at Ralphs Bay.

"The federal government's Recovery Plan for the species states that
siltation of key estuaries caused by land clearing and coastal
developments, particularly those that involve dredging, is a threat to
the survival of the spotted handfish.

"Walker Corporation's plans for Ralphs Bay would involve dredging,
disturbing sediments laden with heavy metals. Senator Campbell must rule
out dredging at Ralphs Bay to prevent the destruction of this vital
habitat for this critically endangered species."

The spotted handfish (Brachionichyths hirsutus) is listed as Critically
Endangered - the top threat category - on the IUCN Red List of
Threatened Species, the world's most authoritative source of information
on animal and plant species facing extinction. 

A high resolution image of the spotted handfish is available for media
use.

Senator Milne raised this matter during Question Time today. 

Contact: Katrina Willis 03 6234 4566 or 0437 587 562


Katrina Willis
Adviser
Senator Christine Milne
Phone 03 6234 4566
Fax 03 6234 2144
Mobile 0437 587 562
www.christinemilne.org.au