Maugean Skates Released into Tasmanian Wild After Captive Breeding Program

A significant conservation milestone has been reached on Tasmania's west coast with the release of two Maugean skates back into their natural habitat. The male and female skates, held in captivity for over two years by researchers from the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), were released in late April. During their time in captivity, the female skate was instrumental in the breeding program, laying approximately 430 eggs that resulted in about 80 hatchlings. Professor Jayson Semmens of IMAS highlighted the invaluable contributions of the skates to research, stating it was time for them to return to Macquarie Harbour. The release process involved careful planning, including acclimating the skates to the lower oxygen levels found in the harbour and retraining them to hunt live crabs, their natural prey. Dr. Bailee Woolley, a junior research fellow, explained the protocols used to ensure the skates' successful reintegration. This successful release serves as a crucial starting point for IMAS's efforts to eventually reintroduce other Maugean skates born and raised in captivity into the wild.

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It's not just the eggs … the learnings that we've had from them are absolutely incredible.