After nearly a decade of decline, scientists have recorded an increased presence of young Maugean skates, offering a glimmer of hope for the survival of this endangered species. This blog explores the latest research and the potential long-term trajectory for the Maugean skate, a unique ray found only in Macquarie Harbour.
Stabilizing Population
Young maugean skates have been found in slightly greater numbers for the first time in almost a decade, provisionally raising hopes for the survival of the endangered species.
Research by the University of Tasmania’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) found that data gathered from 2021 to September 2024 showed the Maugean skate population was showing signs it might be stabilising after years of plummeting stocks leading up to 2020.
“Whilst the population is still way below historical levels, catch per unit effort data – a standard measure of relative abundance – indicates that the skate population substantially stabilised in 2021 with no further widespread decline occurred,” said IMAS researcher and Maugean skate captive breeding program leader Professor Jayson Semmens.
Promising Juvenile Presence
Juvenile Maugean skates were recorded in 2016 and the population status is considered to indicate resilience or potential for long-term recovery.
Professor Semmens said: “With a generation time of around six years to reach maturity, we do not expect the observations indicative of adult recovery unless completion of maturation and supply from sub-adults occurred balancing loss in the adults average size probability or length truncated sampling is severe However, presence at an approximate 1:1 ratio proportionate share juveniles relative to adults in the sampling consistently with what was observed preconnection in 2014 is encouraging.
Maugean skate populations may be recovering, but it is essential to monitor over time to see where they will eventually go in the long-term.
IMAS researcher Dr. David Moreno said: “Whether the soon-to-occur presence of young skates will continue after this year has yet to be determined due to missing data that would help confirm a recovery.” “New population models and action plans are required to protect the species in Macquarie Harbour – its only known remaining area.”
Conclusion
New research looking at the Maugean skate has provided rare good news for the endangered species. While that number is far fewer than in historical years, the fact those are stable and that juvenile skates were caught shows positive signs of skates maybe recovering due to recent conservation efforts. Ongoing monitoring and research will be important in informing long-term survival strategies for the unusual Maugean skate within its limited Macquarie Harbour environment.
