Skate ruling pushed back
Print
Leading scientists have warned that Australia’s Maugean skate could soon be lost forever.
Over 30 marine experts, including 14 professors and five Fellows of the Australian Academy of Science, have written an urgent letter to Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek, calling for action to prevent the extinction of this critically endangered species found only in Tasmania’s Macquarie Harbour.
The Maugean skate, a rare Gondwanan-era species related to rays and sharks, is considered a World Heritage value within Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area.
The skate's habitat has suffered due to low oxygen levels and poor water quality linked to salmon farming in the harbour.
Researchers report that the species’ population has dropped nearly 47 per cent since 2012.
Despite attempts by the salmon industry and some politicians to challenge the science, researchers argue that evidence clearly shows that open-cage salmon farming is the primary threat to the skate's survival.
They say the extinction of the skate would have global implications, affecting Australia’s reputation in sustainable development and conservation.
The signatories, who include renowned experts in marine conservation and fisheries, call for Minister Plibersek to act immediately by applying the precautionary principle.
They demand the revocation of a 2012 decision that permitted expanded fish farming in Macquarie Harbour.
“The science could not be clearer,” said Stewart Frusher, retired Marine Science Professor at the University of Tasmania.
“Fish farming in Macquarie Harbour is almost certain to have a catastrophic impact on the Maugean skate. This is the opposite of sustainable development and must end.”
“We have no right to deny future generations a less diverse and sustainable world than what we inherited,” said Andrew Wright, former Executive Secretary of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources.
The scientists recognise that reducing salmon farming could affect the local community and urge both government and industry to provide support.
They argue that Tasmania’s marine ecosystems must be responsibly managed to meet Australia’s international environmental commitments.
The Threatened Species Scientific Committee, initially expected to decide on upgrading the skate’s status to critically endangered by October 30, 2024, has now been granted an extension until October 30, 2025.
This delay coincides with the upcoming federal election, extending uncertainty over the skate’s fate for another year.
Meanwhile, a separate decision regarding the extension of salmon farming leases in Macquarie Harbour remains pending.
Plibersek has indicated that this decision could be made independently of the skate’s status upgrade, leaving the future of salmon farming in Tasmania in limbo.
