The Maugean Skate is referred to by marine biologists as the “Tasmanian Devil of the Sea.” This species is found exclusively in the Macquarie Bay area, located on the west coast of Tasmania, Australia.
Research has shown that the population of the Maugean Skate is rapidly declining over the past few decades. Human activities such as salmon farming causing pollution, hydropower altering river flows, and climate change increasing ocean temperatures have severely degraded the habitat of the Maugean Skate, leading to its gradual disappearance, according to the Guardian.
What is Happening?
Macquarie Bay is six times larger than Sydney Harbour. Over the past ten years, the environment in Macquarie Bay has deteriorated significantly after authorities approved plans to expand salmon farms in 2012, despite warnings of negative impacts on the marine ecosystem.
Subsequently, the fish farming yield in the bay has dropped to levels close to those before the farms were expanded. While some species in the area show signs of recovery, the oxygen levels in the seawater have not improved.
The rate of decline of the Maugean Skate population accelerated after a major storm hit in 2019. (Photo: Jane Ruckert).
Human activities have drastically reduced the oxygen levels in the waters of Macquarie Bay, which negatively impacts the survival rate of newborn Maugean Skates. While there are currently no precise figures on the survival rate of newborn Maugean Skates, estimates suggest that the population of this species has decreased by 47% from 2014 to 2021.
The decline of the Maugean Skate population accelerated after a significant storm in 2019 disrupted the water layers, causing low-oxygen water from the ocean floor to rise closer to the surface.
Using electronic tracking devices, scientists discovered that mass die-offs occurred among the Maugean Skate population following the 2019 event.
Researchers from the University of Tasmania have stated that urgent action is needed to prevent the Maugean Skate from going extinct.
One of the proposed solutions is to raise funds for a captive breeding program to ensure a stable population of Maugean Skates outside of Macquarie Bay. Previously, Australian Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek set a goal to prevent any native plant or animal species from becoming extinct.
“The situation is extremely urgent because if another event like 2019 occurs, we will not be able to do anything to prevent this species from going extinct,” warned Dr. Jayson Semmens, a biologist at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies.
Dr. David Moreno, director of the Maugean Skate conservation program, stated that some juvenile skates are about to be born, helping to maintain the population.
“Over the past ten years, we have witnessed a severe decline in oxygen levels in deep waters; the situation has not improved and has now become urgent. We risk losing an important species,” said Mr. Moreno.
Scientists are urging the Tasmanian government to reduce activities that could impact the skate species, such as salmon farms, recreational fishing, or changes to upstream water flows.
Additionally, researchers are calling for increased funding to extend the monitoring project for Maugean Skates, which is expected to end in late 2023.
Risk of Extinction in the Next Decade
The Maugean Skate has a lifespan of about ten years, primarily inhabiting brackish waters at depths of 7.5 to 12.5 meters. This species was first identified in 1988 in the waters of Southwest Tasmania. DNA studies indicate that the Maugean Skate currently lives mainly in Macquarie Bay.
A 2016 study estimated the Maugean Skate population to be around 3,200 individuals, although this number was later assessed to be higher than reality.
According to Dr. Neville Barrett, a marine biologist, the Maugean Skate is at risk of extinction within the next ten years if the current decline continues.
In 2022, the Maugean Skate was placed on the list of 110 species that need prioritization by the Australian government. (Photo: Dave Moreno).
The Maugean Skate is currently on the endangered species list. The Australian government has announced it will convene a meeting with scientists in June to reassess the risks facing this species and the possibility of listing them as endangered.
Last year, the Maugean Skate was included in the list of 110 species that the Australian government needs to prioritize.
The Australian Marine Conservation Society and the International Humane Society are urging Canberra to do “everything within its power” to prevent the Maugean Skate from going extinct.
Dr. Leonardo Guida, an expert from the Australian Marine Conservation Society, noted that the Maugean Skate has existed since the age of dinosaurs, but it now faces extinction due to its threatened habitat.
“Tasmania is home to some famous species that have gone extinct, such as the Thylacine (or Tasmanian Tiger) and the Tasmanian Devil. Do we really want to be the nation that causes the first modern extinction of a fish species due to inhumane activities?” Mr. Guida warned.
A spokesperson for the Australian Environment Minister’s office stated that the current Labor government will not allow the Maugean Skate to go extinct.
“We will do everything we can to understand the threats to this species and use the latest tools to protect them,” the Environment Minister’s office affirmed.
