Continuing story · 1 report

Macquarie Harbour critical habitat proposal

Scientific advisers say the skate’s last confirmed refuge qualifies for protection. The boundary and management plan could reshape salmon farming—but no declaration has been made.

First aired October 28, 2026 at 1:12 PM UTCLatest aired October 28, 2026 at 1:12 PM UTC

DevelopingNext check Oct 29: A declaration decision or publication of scientifically advised habitat boundaries, consultation arrangements or a decision timetable.

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Update 1Oct 28 13:12 UTCSkate habitat decision could reshape salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour

The story so far

Update 1Oct 28 13:12 UTC
Skate habitat decision could reshape salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour
Scientific advisers say the skate’s last confirmed refuge qualifies for protection. The boundary and management plan could reshape salmon farming—but no declaration has been made.

History

Oct 28 UTC
Opened1 report

Who's involved

People

Jan McDonaldenvironmental and climate law researcher1 report
Vica BayleyAustralian politician1 report

Organizations

Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmaniagovernment agency of Tasmania, Australia1 report

Every outlet we read on this story

24 sources13 outlets1 wire copy

austlii.edu.au6
dcceew.gov.au4
environment.gov.au2
1. Zearaja maugeana (Maugean skate) was listed in the Endangered category of the threatened species list under the (Cwth) (EPBC Act) effective from 4 March 2004. Zearaja maugeana was reassessed by the Threatened Species Scientific Committee to be eligible under Criterion 2 and should be retained in the Endangered category. The Committee’s assessment is at Attachment A. The Committee’s assessment Criterion 2: B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv)+B2ab(i,ii,iii,iv) for listing as
2. Conservation Advice for Zearaja maugeana (Maugean skate)
et.org.au2
1. For the first time, Tas Government initiates process for considering ‘critical habitat’ listing for the Maugean skate in Macquarie Harbour - Environment Tasmania
2. EPA defers management of dissolved oxygen in Macquarie Harbour to the salmon companies - Environment Tasmania
tas.gov.au2
1. View - Tasmanian Legislation Online
2. Conservation Action Plan for the Maugean skate
ABC Tasmaniaabc.net.au1First
1. First reported Oct 27 18:28 UTC
2. 'Critical habitat' decision could affect Macquarie Harbour salmon farmsOct 27 UTC
David Moreno et al., Endangered Species Research, 2026doi.org1
1. First eDNA evidence for the potential functional disappearance of the Endangered Maugean skate Zearaja maugeana in Bathurst Harbour, Australia
frdc.com.au1
1. Transition Macquarie Harbour Oxygenation from pilot-scale to operational function | FRDC
Head Topicsheadtopics.com1
1. First reported Oct 27 18:35 UTC
2. Tasmania's environment department considers declaring Macquarie Harbour as critical habitat for Maugean skateOct 27 UTC
KhanListkhanlist.com1First
1. First reported Oct 27 18:28 UTC
2. 'Critical habitat' decision could affect Macquarie Harbour salmon farmsOct 27 UTC
Salmon Businesssalmonbusiness.com1
1. Tasmania: salmon farms required to offset 10.3 tonnes of oxygen use a daySep 8 UTC
salmontasmania.au1
1. Macquarie Harbour | Salmon Tasmania
The Australian Workers' Unionawu.net.au1
1. Macquarie Harbour aquaculture industry -