Minister for the Environment and Water, Senator the Hon Murray Watt
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Julie Collins MP
The Albanese Government is investing up to $18.3 million to address low oxygen levels in Macquarie Harbour, and support recovery efforts for the endangered Maugean skate.
The $18.3 million Oxygenation Offset Program in Macquarie Harbour will improve oxygen levels in the water by replacing the oxygen consumed by fish farming.
The program is already delivering oxygen into Macquarie Harbour, building on the Macquarie Harbour Oxygenation Program, a 2-year trial concluding this year, co-funded by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) and the salmon industry.
The promising trial showed oxygen can be pumped into the harbour in an environmentally-friendly way, with great potential to support the recovery of the Maugean skate by improving environmental conditions.
The Oxygenation Offset Program in Macquarie Harbour will be delivered by the FRDC, which will work closely with the Tasmanian Government, the Tasmanian salmon industry, and independent scientific and technical experts.
The Albanese Government has committed $37.5 million for the recovery of the Maugean skate since June 2022.
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt:
"Securing the future of the Maugean skate and improving oxygen levels in Macquarie Harbour is a priority for the Albanese Government.
"The long-term recovery of the Maugean skate requires coordinated action and I encourage industry to continue to work with government to ensure the future of the Maugean skate and a sustainable salmon industry.
"Macquarie Harbour is important to Tasmania's $1 billion aquaculture industry and this program builds on existing environmental and conservation action for the Maugean skate."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins:
"We have seen promising results from the trial of oxygenation in Macquarie Harbour.
"That's why our Government is pleased to be supporting the next stage of oxygenation in the harbour which has great potential to support the recovery of the Maugean skate.
"Our Government supports a sustainable salmon industry in Tasmania and the regional jobs it supports, and we also support strong environmental protections.
"This program demonstrates we can have both."
