Accurate information on Maugean Skate population needed to inform conservation action

The Tasmanian Government notes a report released today by conservation ecologist Professor Barry Brook regarding the population viability of the Maugean skate.

Minister for Parks and Environment, Nick Duigan, said the Government has been very clear about its commitment to protecting the Maugean skate, while also supporting regional Tasmanian jobs.

"Professor Brook’s analysis raises questions in relation to the modelling used to inform current population assumptions for the skate," Minister Duigan said. 

"The report by Professor Brook today is yet further evidence there are many differing views in relation to the skate and its population viability. To secure the long term viability of the skate, an evidence-based approach is needed."

Today, Minister Duigan announced that the Tasmanian Government would take decisive action.

The Chair of the National Recovery Team for the Maugean Skate will convene a small team of independent scientific experts to review and rerun the population viability model based on current information and science.

It is critically important to understand the status and trajectory of the skate population to inform our conservation efforts.

This work will ensure that the method used to estimate the underlying population status is up-to-date, transparent about uncertainty, robust and has been independently reviewed and validated.

The working group will be funded through the Tasmanian Government’s Threatened Species Fund under our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future.