Conservation Action Plan for the Maugean Skate

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE Tas) has developed a Conservation Action Plan (CAP) for the Maugean Skate. The CAP identifies priority research and conservation management actions for recovery of this unique species, which is endemic to Tasmania and is listed as endangered under both Tasmania’s Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 and the Commonwealth’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

 Maugean Skate Conservation Action Plan (PDF 765Kb)

Development of the CAP​

The CAP is based on the outcomes of an extensive conservation planning and consultation process undertaken by NRE Tas in coordination with the Australian Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and the National Recovery Team for the Maugean Skate. 

This process included: 

  • multiple workshops

  • establishment of technical working groups convened under the National Recovery Team

  • work with the West Coast community and other stakeholders

The CAP also draws on, and complements, existing conservation planning documents including the NRE Tas Listing Statement and DCCEEW’s updated Conservation Advice​ for the Maugean Skate. 

More information about the Maugean skate and what is being done to support recovery of the species is available on the NRE Tas Maugean skate webpage.​

a jouvenile Maugean Skate swimming in a tank with electric blue and purple lighting

Two week old Maugean skate hatched in captivity. Red lights are used to mimic low light conditions in Macquarie Harbour
Photo: David Moreno-IMAS