The Maugean skate remains at risk of extinction and recovery isn’t yet assured, according to an IMAS report released today. The skate’s precarious future continues to be underpinned by political bastardry, the Greens say.
Greens spokesperson for healthy oceans and Senator for Lutruwita/Tasmania, Peter Whish-Wilson:
“The Albanese government has used its power to undermine the survival of the Maugean skate for its mates in the salmon industry and for its own political interest – it cannot be trusted to protect the skate.
“The federal government’s own scientific advice clearly states the key threat to the Maugean skate’s survival is poor water quality in Macquarie Harbour, and that the primary cause of this is Atlantic salmon farming. It recommended stopping or destocking salmon as an immediate measure.
“The plight of this prehistoric species could be immediately improved by reducing salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour, but nobody in the Albanese government has the political will to make this a reality.
“Rather than take the action needed to protect Tasmania’s waterways and threatened species, the federal government has ignored scientific advice and let the salmon industry off the hook.
“These foreign-owned salmon farming companies pollute Tasmania’s waterways, make hundreds of millions of dollars in profit, and pay no licence fees or royalties for the privilege of using our public waterways. To make matters worse, the industry has recently been awarded taxpayer funds to try and repair the damage it’s caused to the environment.
“It’s state capture fuelled by political bastardry.”