Tasmania’s Maugean Skate Debate: Another Extinct Species or Jobs?
Macquarie Harbour in Tasmania is the defining example of man’s efforts to save a species from extinction. 109 salmon farming jobs remain and they are under threat of extinction because an estimated 40 to 120 adult Maugean skates live there.
Of course, the 109 jobs will not become extinct, they can be moved. Maugean skate, a relic of prehistoric times that calls the brackish waters of Macquarie Harbour its sole sanctuary, cannot be relocated.
“There are lots of places where salmon can be grown but only one place in the world where the Maugean skate can live. If we chose a bit more salmon over the last of the dinosaur fish, then it speaks volumes about our priorities,” Eloise Carr, Director of the Australia Institute Tasmania, captures the urgency of the moment brilliantly.
A decision on upgrading the conservation status of the Maugean skate from endangered to critically endangered has been delayed until after next year’s federal election.
The Threatened Species Scientific Committee (TSSC) has been given an extended deadline of October 30, 2025, to provide its eligibility recommendations. Meanwhile, a separate decision remains pending regarding the extension of salmon farm leases.
The Australia Institute has a petition, here, calling on environment minister Tanya Plibersek to respect the science and end salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour.
What are the politicians and industry saying?
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who previously said there will be no new extinctions on his watch, proudly tweeted images of himself supporting the foreign-owned Tassal salmon farm on 12 December 2024.
“Tanya Plibersek remains hell-bent on shutting down the salmon farms,” Tasmania Salmon CEO Luke Martin told 2GB radio host Ben Fordham.
“No one is denying that the species is under threat … but you do not, in our view, shut down the entire economic lifeblood of a regional community to try and manage the conservation of an endangered species,” he said.
“The skate’s been around for 60 million years, it’s a dinosaur fish,” federal Environment Minister, Tanya Plibersek said. “It’s the only place on earth that it exists.”
“We want a strong salmon industry in Tasmania, we’ve continued to invest in it and support it. We’ve got to make sure that these things can co-exist. We want jobs in Australia,” Ms. Plibersek said.
“I will not be stopping salmon farming … in fact, I want to see salmon farming grow in Tasmania,” Opposition Leader, Peter Dutton said.
Dispelling Myths and Misinformation
Much of the public debate surrounding the Maugean skate has been clouded by misinformation. Carr and the Australia Institute Tasmania aim to cut through the noise:
Job Losses: The salmon industry itself admits that only 109 jobs in Macquarie Harbour are linked to salmon farming. Many are not local positions but involve drive-in, drive-out workers.
Shutting Down Salmon: Removing salmon farms from Macquarie Harbour, which represents just 10% of local salmon production and 5% of industry jobs, would not devastate the broader salmon industry.
Tourism vs. Salmon: Tourism on Tasmania’s west coast employs far more people than fish farming. The extinction of the Maugean skate could tarnish the region’s reputation and harm its thriving tourism sector.
Foreign Ownership
The industry is dominated by foreign-owned companies, such as Canada’s Cooke Inc., Brazil’s JBS, and New Zealand/Japan’s Sealord. Profits flow offshore, while these corporations enjoy free use of a World Heritage Area and pay little or no tax in Australia.
The three major salmon producers in Macquarie Harbour are:
- Petuna Aquaculture: A New Zealand-owned company that pioneered salmon production in Macquarie Harbour
- Huon Aquaculture: A Brazil-owned company
- Tassal: A Canadian-owned company
Is Farmed Salmon Good?
Salmon farming has become a significant source of global seafood, but the industry faces mounting criticism and controversy over environmental and health concerns.
Among the key issues is the quality of feed used in aquaculture, particularly the inclusion of trans fats. These artificial fats, often derived from hydrogenated vegetable oils, are used to cut costs and mimic the high-energy diet of wild salmon.
Critics argue that this practice not only undermines the nutritional quality of farmed salmon but also poses health risks to consumers. Unlike wild salmon, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids from its natural diet, farmed salmon may have altered fat profiles that diminish its health benefits.
The use of trans fats in salmon feed raises questions about the industry’s commitment to sustainable and health-conscious practices. Trans fats are widely recognized for their negative effects on human health, contributing to heart disease, inflammation, and elevated cholesterol levels.
When fed to farmed salmon, these fats can accumulate in the fish’s tissues, potentially transferring these risks to consumers. This has led to calls for stricter regulations on feed ingredients and transparency about farming practices.
Uneaten feed and waste from salmon farms can pollute surrounding waters, impacting marine ecosystems and wild fish populations. Critics argue that these practices reflect the industry’s prioritization of profit over sustainability and consumer health.
We fact checked Miriam Margolyes claim that “A 200g serve of this salmon contains more fat than a Big Mac and fries” and found that not to be accurate. A Big Mac & Fries contains ≈ 58 g of fat (coke has no fat)
Farmed salmon nutritional facts on 200g (7 ounces).
Total Fat 9.22g 12%
Saturated Fat 1.856g 9%
Trans Fat-
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.341g
Monounsaturated Fat 3.288g
A Prehistoric Survivor in Peril
The Maugean skate is no ordinary creature. This ancient species, believed to have existed since the time of the dinosaurs, is a marvel of evolution. Globally unique as the only known brackish water skate, it thrives in the delicate balance of Macquarie Harbour, a natural treasure recognized internationally as part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
Yet, this delicate balance is under siege. Australian government scientists have identified salmon farming as the primary threat to the skate’s survival. Independent experts corroborate this assessment, emphasizing the urgency of action. For Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek, the stakes are clear: “There will be no more extinctions under my watch,” she vowed.
The Economics of Extinction
The debate, however, extends beyond science into the realms of politics and economics. The Australian Workers Union (AWU) has framed the issue starkly: no species is more important than a single job.
But Carr challenges this notion, pointing out that democracy is about choices—choices that reflect our collective values and priorities.
“We used to hunt whales, log the Daintree, and mine asbestos,” Carr observes.
“All those industries created jobs. But society chose a different path. It would not be difficult or expensive for governments to look after workers while also saving the skate.”
Indeed, Carr highlights an alternative vision: the recent $21 million taxpayer subsidy to the salmon industry could have been divided among its workers, offering each approximately $210,000—a sum that ensures livelihoods while preserving an irreplaceable species.
The Will of the People
The voice of the Tasmanian people is resounding. Multiple polls conducted by the Australia Institute show that seven in ten Tasmanians want the government to follow the science and protect the skate. Carr debunks the narrative that opposition to salmon farming is driven by “inner-city mainlanders,” underscoring the widespread local support for safeguarding Tasmania’s World Heritage Area.
A Choice for the Future
As this debate unfolds, the world watches to see whether Tasmania will honor its commitment to the natural world. The Maugean skate, a symbol of resilience and rarity, faces an uncertain future. Will it be sacrificed at the altar of economic expediency, or will humanity rise to the challenge of protecting one of Earth’s last prehistoric wonders?
“Democracy is about choices,” Carr reminds us. And the choice before Tasmania is clear: protect the skate and, in doing so, preserve a piece of our shared natural heritage.
What is the Maugean skate?
The Maugean skate (Zearaja maugeana), also known as the Port Davey skate, is an endangered species of ray endemic to Tasmania, Australia. It inhabits the brackish, tannin-rich waters of Macquarie Harbour on Tasmania’s remote southwest coast.
This species is notable for its ancient lineage, dating back to the time of the dinosaurs, and is one of the most geographically restricted elasmobranchs (sharks and rays) in the world.
Physical Description: The Maugean skate is a medium-sized ray, with mature females reaching up to 84 cm in total length and males up to 70 cm. It has a quadrangular disc-shaped body, a narrowly pointed, elongated snout, and a dorsal surface that is almost uniformly dark grey to brown with small, faint white spots. Males possess three rows of thorns along the tail, while females have five.
Habitat and Distribution: This species is restricted to the brackish, estuarine waters of Macquarie Harbour. Although it was previously recorded in Bathurst Harbour, recent surveys have failed to confirm its presence there, suggesting it may be locally extinct in that area. The Maugean skate prefers shallow channels between 5 and 15 meters in depth, characterized by poor light penetration, high tannin loads, and silty substrates.
Diet: The Maugean skate primarily feeds on benthic prey species, with crustaceans being the dominant component of its diet.
Conservation Status: The Maugean skate is listed as endangered under both Tasmania’s Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 and the Australian Government’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Its population has experienced significant declines, with estimates suggesting fewer than 1,000 individuals remain.
Threats: The primary threats to the Maugean skate include:
- Habitat Degradation: Intensive salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour has led to decreased dissolved oxygen levels, adversely affecting the skate’s habitat.
- Altered River Flows: Manipulated river flows for hydroelectricity production have further impacted the skate’s environment.
- Climate Change: Changing environmental conditions pose additional challenges to the species’ survival.
Conservation Efforts: In response to the skate’s declining numbers, conservation actions have been initiated, including:
- Captive Breeding Programs: Scientists from the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) have successfully bred Maugean skates in captivity, establishing a population of 35 individuals as of October 2024.
- Government Funding: The Tasmanian government has allocated $800,000 to construct a new breeding center to support the growing captive population.
- Environmental Reviews: Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek is reviewing salmon farming approvals in Macquarie Harbour to balance environmental protection with sustainable economic development.
Despite these efforts, the Maugean skate remains at high risk of extinction, underscoring the need for continued and enhanced conservation measures to ensure its survival.
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