26 September 2024
These models will show the complex interrelation between river flows, tides and other meteorological factors that can alter levels of dissolved oxygen in the harbour, to the detriment or benefit of the Maugean skate.
The Maugean skate (Zearaja maugeana) is a species of ray only found in the waters of Macquarie Harbour.
The endangered Maugean skate. Image Prof Neville Barrett, IMAS.
In recent years, there has been a significant decline in the remaining skate population. This is thought to be largely due to low levels of dissolved oxygen. Current numbers of the Maugean skate are thought to be around 1,000.
The recovery team includes members from federal and state government departments, industry, environmental groups, experts and researchers, and community groups. Hydro Tasmania has been an active member of the recovery team since its inception.
Executive General Manager Assets and Infrastructure Jesse Clark said the models were shedding new light on the complex system. “Scientific models can seem a bit abstract but they’re fundamental to knowing how the harbour works, what impacts dissolved oxygen and what we can do to help create a healthy environment for the skate”, says Jesse.
“For example, it was generally thought that a combination of low river flows and particular weather events were required for sea water high to enter the Harbour and replenish the dissolved oxygen. The models show it is more nuanced than this.”
Hydro Tasmania has a proud track record of protecting endangered species. This includes efforts to protect threatened galaxiids, and rediscover species such as the short-tailed rain crayfish, thought to be extinct.
The thought-to-be-extinct short-tailed rain crayfish (Ombrastacoides Parvicaudatus)
In June, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) released data showing the dissolved oxygen levels appear to be improving. And in another promising sign for the future of the species, data collected by the University of Tasmania’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) between 2021 and September 2024 showed an increase in the number of young Maugean skates.
We will continue to work collaboratively with government and stakeholders as part of the Maugean Skate Recovery Team! Learn more about the Maugean skate by clicking here.
Read our commenting guidelines
This is an amazing story of survival in the complex universe that exists in the fresh waterways we manage. It’s not to be confused with the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy which is a completely different story in a much larger universe. The two are similar only in that they contain important lessons about life, the universe and everything, so make yourself a solid cup of tea and don’t forget your towel.
As part of the Expedition of Discovery, TMAG scientists recently visited Musselroe Wind Farm looking for new and threatened species. The wind-swept sand dunes of Tasmania's North-East did not disappoint.
Anyone living in or around Launceston would be familiar with the flood of controversy surrounding the quality of water in the kanamaluka / Tamar estuary. But a new report has shown water