In a remote area of Tasmania, Australia, the Maugean skate, a critically endangered species of marine fish, is facing the threat of extinction due to human activities such as salmon farming and changes in river flow caused by hydroelectric dams. With the population of these skates declining and the majority of individuals being adults, concerns about the species’ survival are mounting.
To address this urgent situation, a team of researchers led by Jayson Semmens at the University of Tasmania took a bold step to save the Maugean skate from extinction. In December 2023, they collected 50 eggs from the wild and successfully hatched over half of them in captivity. Additionally, they obtained four adult skates, two of which unfortunately died shortly after being captured. However, to the team’s surprise, one of the remaining females laid eggs in captivity, indicating the potential for successful breeding efforts.
Semmens explained that the female skate was able to store sperm and fertilize eggs later, leading to a significant number of viable eggs. The team is now considering capturing other inseminated females to maximize genetic diversity among the captive-reared juveniles. Despite these promising developments, the researchers emphasize that captive breeding alone is not a complete solution. They are also working on addressing environmental issues in Macquarie harbour, such as low oxygen levels, through initiatives like pumping oxygen into the water.
While the captive-reared individuals show promise for the species’ survival, it will take several years for them to reach maturity and contribute to the population. If the recovery efforts fail, the Maugean skate could face extinction, marking a significant loss in modern history. The researchers are dedicated to ensuring the survival of this species and are taking proactive steps to prevent its disappearance from the wild.
