A collaborative effort involving researchers from Indonesia, Australia, and the United States is underway to locate the natural habitat of the Clown Wedgefish, one of the world’s most endangered fish. This elusive species has been so rare that its existence has only been recorded through sporadic appearances in fish markets. The research team from Charles Darwin University (CDU), the University of Southern Mississippi (USM), and Universitas Maritim Raja Ali Haji (UMRAH) is conducting fieldwork in Indonesia’s Riau Islands to gather crucial information about the Clown Wedgefish and its environment, with the aim of developing conservation plans for the endangered species.
The Clown Wedgefish (Rhynchobatus cooki) has faced a significant decline due to the impact of fishing, and very little is known about its natural habitat or distribution. Recent findings from social media posts by fishers suggested that the Clown Wedgefish could inhabit the southwest Riau Islands in Indonesia.
Dr. Peter Kyne, Senior Research Fellow at CDU, emphasized the importance of this research in developing a conservation plan for the rare species. “Clown Wedgefish are incredibly rare and are in decline having been impacted in a significant way by fishing,” he said. “Our research is trying to understand the habitat of the Clown Wedgefish, for example, if they live around coral reefs, mangroves, or on sand. This information will then help us to develop conservation and management plans for the species.”
The research team recently visited the island of Singkep in Indonesia, one of only four suspected locations where the Clown Wedgefish may be found. The team, led by USM’s Associate Professor Dr. Nicole Phillips and graduate student Emma Humphreys, employed targeted environmental DNA water sampling to search for the presence of Clown Wedgefish in the area. This method involves collecting water samples to screen for DNA from the species, shedding through scales, mucus, and excrement.
Dr. Phillips explained, “Fish shed DNA through their scales, mucus, and excrement, and this gets released into the environment. The water samples will be screened to see if they contain DNA from the Clown Wedgefish. This will help us to pinpoint the habitat of the Clown Wedgefish.”
CDU student Ms. Benaya Simeon, part of the research team, highlighted the importance of understanding the geographic range and habitat of the species and the threats it faces. “The susceptibility of the species and the intensity of fisheries require robust research to inform conservation plans and regulations for its management,” she said.
Ms. Simeon plans to undertake more field trips as part of her Ph.D. project to interact with local fishers and traders and gain a deeper understanding of their interactions with the species.
The international collaboration, supported by the Save Our Seas Foundation, aims to secure the future of the Clown Wedgefish.
Source: Charles Darwin University
