Yesterday’s report by the Tasmanian Environmental Protection Agency shows that there has been a mild improvement in dissolved oxygen in some parts of the Harbour. The report makes no mention of the fact that over the summer of 2023/24 a large natural ocean driven reoxygenation event occurred. This was a fortunate event for the Maugean Skate, but does nothing to address the number one threat to their survival, which is industrial fish farms.

“It is outrageous to suggest that fish farms can coexist with the Maugean Skate based on this report. It’s akin to saying that humpback whales gave birth to lots of young this season, so let’s start commercial whaling again,” said Alistair Allan, Antarctic and Marine Campaigner at the Bob Brown Foundation.

“Macquarie Harbour is the only habitat in the world for the Maugean Skate. Fish farms have been found to be a catastrophic impact on their survival. Fish farms must get out of Macquarie Harbour immediately.”

“The Maugean Skate is teetering on the edge of extinction. Last week our lawyers wrote to the Federal Environment Minister, Tanya Plibersek, asking for an explanation within 21 days as to the reason or reasons for the delay in making her decision. We are currently urgently awaiting her response. The Minister could act today, remove fish farms, and save an animal from extinction,” said Alistair Allan.