When changes to the EPBC Act were fast-tracked through Parliament earlier this year, The Australia Institute flagged that it would likely lead to the extinction of the endangered Maugean skate. The skate is an ancient species with links to the dinosaur era and can only be found in Macquarie Harbour.
"When Murray Watt became the Environment Minister, he said the salmon industry needed to lift its game on sustainability," said Eloise Carr, Director, The Australia Institute Tasmania.
"But this decision protects the commercial salmon industry and condemns the skate to extinction.
"All of the baby skates that have hatched in captivity come from eggs fertilised in the wild. It is not a captive 'breeding' program, it's a captive rearing program. That means if the skate becomes extinct in the wild, it is over for the species.
"Tasmanians have just elected independent Peter George, with the third-highest vote in the state. He was elected due to his work to protect the marine environment.
"It is clear Tasmanians are sick and tired of government inaction to address the harmful effects of the foreign-owned salmon industry on Tasmanian waterways."
