Threatened Species

There are several marine species threatened by the presence of industrial salmon farming. The one of most immediate concern is the Maugean Skate in Macquarie Harbour, but proposed industry expansion into Bass Strait and Storm Bay also threaten the Red and Spotted Handfish, the Burranan Dolphin and the Sand Flathead. All the species listed below live in shallow coastal and estuarine waters susceptible to the impact of salmon farming.

Maugean Skate

The Maugean skate lives only in Macquarie Harbour, on Tasmanaia's west coast. Fewer than 120 individuals are estimated to still exist, and the species is critically endangered, particularly from the impact of aquaculture. 

• Read more about it, and efforts to save it, on our Maugean skate campaign page.
• Check its conservation status
• Use our Search facility to list our many news items (blog posts) - search for 'Maugean'
  

Red Handfish

The Red Handfish, a species of anglerfish, is only 60 - 100 mm long (about four inches). It lacks a swim bladder, and uses its modified fins to walk on the sea floor. Fewer than 100 individuals may still exist in two small patches of reef in Frederick Henry Bay near Hobart. It is critically endangered, and its habitat is susceptible to damage from aquaculture activities.

• Read more at Live Science
  
• Watch it walk
  

Spotted Handfish

The Spotted Handfish is slightly larger than the Red Handfish, with a spectacular 'haircut'. It is now found only in the Derwent estuary and a few small nearby areas susceptible to damage from aquaculture activities. It uses its modified fins to walk on the ocean floor. It too is critically endangered, with very few surviving individuals.

• Check its conservation status
• Read what the Australian Museum says about it
  

Sand Flathead

The Southern Sand Flathead is an important part of Tasmania's fishery, especially for recreational fishing. Its distribution is widespread in shallow coastal areas with sandy and silted bottoms. Overfishing has reduced populations and recently caused the government to modify bag limits and catch sizes. Its habitat is susceptible to damage from aquaculture activities. Its stocks are currently classified as depleted.

• Check its status and new bag and size limits
• Read an assessment by scientists at the University of Tasmania
  

Burranan Dolphin

The Burranan Dolphin grows to about 2.5 metres. It lives in shallow waters and bays, especially in estuaries where salt and fresh waters meet. Its range is limited to  Victorian coastal areas in Bass Strait and Gippsland, and there have been sightings off south east Tasmania. Estimates of population are less than 200, and little is known of the species. It is classified as critically endangered under Victorian legislation.

• The Victorian government has more about it here
• There is a very detailed analysis available at the US National Library of Medicine