The Tasmanian Government welcomes more good news for Macquarie Harbour in the latest Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies snapshot of Maugean skate populations.
Minister for Parks and Environment, Nick Duigan, said the IMAS data reveals juvenile skate numbers are consistent with the levels recorded in a 2014 baseline study.
"It's clear that the latest IMAS report rebuts previous predictions of catastrophic skate population decline, and complements recent Environment Protection Authority data revealing oxygen levels in the harbour are also at their highest in a decade," Minister Duigan said.
"My department is considering the latest data and continues to engage with key stakeholders on a range of actions to minimise threats to the Maugean skate.
"The future is bright for the skate, not only because of this latest promising population study, but also the success of our skate captive breeding program at the IMAS labs at Taroona."
The 2024-25 Budget provides $8 million over the next four years to establish a Tasmanian Threatened Species Fund which will directly support conservation activities for priority species, including the Maugean skate.
Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Eric Abetz, said this latest finding added to mounting pressure on Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to make the right decision for Tasmanian jobs.
"Tasmanians could well wonder if Minister Plibersek is delaying her decision on West Coast jobs until after the upcoming federal election," Minister Abetz said.
"We urge Federal Labor to put people before politics and sign off on the continued future of acquaculture operations in Macquarie Harbour.
"This IMAS data and the recent EPA oxygen study are irrefutable scientific proof that the skate and salmon farming can coexist.
"The government's 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future backs our world-class salmon industry and the thousands of jobs it underpins in our regions, which is why we are investing in a range of actions to improve management of the Macquarie Habour ecosystem, while reducing threats to the Maugean Skate."
