Leonardo Di Caprio backs moves to save the Maugean Skate from Extinction in Instagram Post

Leonardo Di Caprio has once again spoken out about a hot-button Tasmanian environmental issue, and the salmon industry has responded with an invitation. Find out why >>

Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio. Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Salmon Tasmania chief has welcomed Hollywood star Leonardo Di Caprio to visit Tasmania.

CEO Luke Martin’s invite comes after Di Caprio took to Instagram in a video slamming the industry and calling to help save the Maugean Skate from extinction.

The post backed the Bob Brown Foundation campaign and called on people to sign a petition calling on the Federal Environmental Minister Tanya Plibersek to urgently remove fish farms from Macquarie Harbour.

In response, Mr Martin said: “Look, I’m the first to admit to being a massive Leo fan, and I would love to host him on the west coast to tour beautiful Macquarie Harbour, meet some of the Strahan locals including its many salmon workers, and see first hand the work underway to secure the Skate.”

“But frankly, while the activists will be frothing over a social media post from an Uber rich Hollywood actor, we’re more interested in the opinions of scientists and marine experts,” he said.

Maugean skate, an endangered species photographed in Macquarie Harbour.

Meanwhile, Bob Brown Foundation — who say they’ve already invited Leonardo Di Caprio to visit Tasmania — thanked him for supporting the cause.

BBF marine campaigner Alistair Allan said it was unacceptable the Tasmanian and Australian governments were willing to cause a world first extinction of the Maugean Skate.

“This is a matter of global significance, now getting the attention it deserves,” Mr Allan said.

“We thank Leonardo Di Caprio for telling the story of the incredible Maugean skate to millions of people.

“Wherever salmon farms are around the world, they cause huge environmental damage, but these farms in Macquarie Harbour are the only ones that will wipe an animal off the face off the planet forever. They must be removed immediately.”

Earlier this year, Di Caprio shared the plight of the critically endangered Swift Parrot to the world.

Soon after, he also made his feelings known about the hot-button issue of native forest logging with an eleventh hour plea to Tasmanian politicians ahead of the state election.