Conservationists slam plan to save Maugean skate, boost key harbour’s health

Anthony Albanese is under fire after pledging fresh federal funds to help an endangered fish and boost the health of a key harbour.

Anthony Albanese is under fire after he pledged tens of millions in fresh federal funds to boost the health of a key Tasmanian harbour home, with conservationists calling it a “government gamble”.

The Prime Minister announced on Tuesday his government would spend $28m on efforts to improve water quality and environmental conditions at Macquarie Harbour, a major salmon fishing ground and the only known home of the endangered Maugean skate.

But the Australian Marine Conservation Society has slammed the move, saying the money “could be much better spent.”

“We are keen to see increased effort to save the Maugean skate from extinction in its only home in Tasmania’s Macquarie Harbour, but this $28m could be much better spent,” the group’s threatened species head Alexia Wellbelove said.

“The endangered Maugean skate is choking to death in Macquarie Harbour because intense salmon farming has stripped the waters of oxygen.

“The federal government is doubling down on unproven technology – spending up to $21m on an oxygenation program that has yet to prove effective in improving oxygen levels in the harbour.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is pledging fresh federal funds to boost the health of a key Tasmanian harbour. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

To help offset harm to Macquarie Harbour’s health from human activities, $21m has been earmarked for scaling up oxygenation in the harbour.

While an oxygenisation program in the harbour has shown strong results, it is still in a trial phase.

Ms Wellbelove said the quickest way to boost oxygen levels in Macquarie Harbour was to “remove salmon”, in line with federal government recommendations.

“The root cause of Macquarie Harbour’s oxygen problem has not been addressed,” she said.

“Salmon biomass has not been reduced in the harbour since the Maugean skate’s plight became known 18 months ago.

“The Australian taxpayer is having to subsidise the salmon industry for its environmental destruction and fund a government gamble on unproven technology.”

The Maugean skate has long been plagued by predators and pollution.

A further $5m has been committed specifically to expanding the Maugean skate’s breeding program.

The ray fish has long been plagued by predators and pollution.

But Humane Society International (HSI) marine biologist Lawrence Chlebeck said it would be for nought if the core issue was not addressed.

“There are only an estimated 40-120 mature skates left in Macquarie Harbour and the Maugean skate is only one more extreme weather event away from extinction,” he said.

“The government announced $5m for the Maugean skate captive breeding program, but any introduced skates will face the same extreme conditions these last remaining adults face.

“The Albanese government made a commitment to zero new extinctions.

“We are calling on the government to remove salmon biomass from the harbour to meet its commitment to the skate’s survival.”

Though that message may be lost on a government looking to bolster an industry that employs thousands in Tasmania, especially as next year’s federal election looms.

Mr Albanese said Tasmania’s salmon industry was “the backbone of many regional communities and it’s essential we support the thousands of jobs it creates right across the state”.

“To do that it’s essential we have a sustainable industry which supports workers and the environment,” he said.

“That’s exactly what this will help to do, making sure we have a sustainable salmon industry and deliver stability for workers and their families into the future.”

Originally published as Conservationists slam plan to save Maugean skate, boost key harbour’s health