For the first time in nearly a decade, scientists have recorded an increased presence of young Maugean skates – a ray of hope for the survival of the endangered species.
The research by the University of Tasmania’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies offers a promising sign for the Maugean skate, a species endemic to the unique environment of Macquarie Harbour.
Data collected between 2021 and September 2024 suggest the population may be stabilising after a decline reported over a decade leading up to 2020.
“Although the population remains significantly lower than historical levels, catch per unit effort data – a standard measure of relative abundance – shows the skate population has stabilised since 2021 and there has been no overall further decline,” IMAS researcher and Maugean skate captive breeding program leader Professor Jayson Semmens said.
“It takes approximately six years for Maugean skate hatchlings to reach maturity, so while immediate recovery of adult biomass is not expected, the presence of juveniles at a similar proportion relative to adults in the sampling as we were seeing in 2014 is a positive sign. Continued monitoring will be crucial to understanding the long-term trajectory of the species.”
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