Hobart, Australia – Senator Pete Whish-Wilson of the Australian Greens has issued a strong call to action, urging the federal government to take immediate steps to protect the critically endangered Maugean skate. In a recent social media post, the Tasmanian senator expressed frustration over the government’s prolonged inaction on regulating salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour—one of the last remaining habitats of the species.
Whish-Wilson, a longtime environmental advocate known for his work on ocean conservation, criticized Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s pledge of $37 million to the salmon industry while weakening environmental laws. He warned that such decisions prioritize corporate profits over the health of marine ecosystems and could push the Maugean skate to extinction.
“It’s outrageous! Our government shouldn’t be ignoring science and weakening laws—bending over backwards—just so big corporations can make a profit at the expense of our environment and wildlife,” Whish-Wilson wrote.
The senator emphasized the importance of electing more Greens to Parliament to counteract policies that favor industrial expansion over ecological sustainability. He urged voters to support candidates committed to protecting Australia’s biodiversity, stating that removing salmon farming from Macquarie Harbour is essential for the skate’s survival.
The Maugean skate (Zearaja maugeana) is a rare and critically endangered species of skate found exclusively in the brackish waters of Macquarie Harbour on the west coast of Tasmania. This unique species is a relic of ancient marine life, having adapted to the harbour’s low-oxygen environment over millennia. Characterized by its flattened body, rounded snout, and mottled brown coloration, the Maugean skate relies on the estuarine ecosystem for survival, feeding on small fish and invertebrates along the harbour’s silty bottom. Due to its extremely limited range and sensitivity to environmental changes, the species faces severe threats from industrial salmon farming, pollution, and declining water quality. With its population in rapid decline, conservationists warn that immediate intervention is necessary to prevent the Maugean skate from becoming Australia’s next marine extinction.
Environmental groups have backed Whish-Wilson’s stance, calling for stronger protections to preserve Tasmania’s unique marine life. Hashtags like #MaugeanSkate and #SaveTheSkate have gained traction online, demonstrating growing public support for urgent action.
As the next election approaches, Whish-Wilson’s advocacy reinforces the Greens’ commitment to climate action and conservation, positioning the protection of Australia’s natural heritage as a key issue in the political landscape.
