Hydro Tasmania has reached an important milestone in its scientific contribution to the Maugean skate recovery efforts, with the completion of catchment models for the King and Gordon Rivers.

Executive General Manager Assets and Infrastructure Jesse Clark said the models show how water flows through the catchments and into Macquarie Harbour.

“Scientific models can seem a bit abstract but they’re fundamental to knowing how the harbour works, what impacts dissolved oxygen and what we can do to create a healthy environment for the skate.

“We’ve invested significant time and resources in developing the catchment models, which we’ve now handed over to CSIRO, who will incorporate them into a model for the whole harbour.

“We are working closely with CSIRO and understand the harbour model is on track to be ready for the coming summer.”

Hydro Tasmania is a member of the Maugean Skate Recovery Team, working with all stakeholders to help save the endangered skate and delivering its commitments under the State Government’s Conservation Action Plan for the Maugean skate.

The Environment Protection Authority yesterday released data showing the dissolved oxygen levels are now close to the range observed prior to 2010 when the levels began to decline.

“Hydro Tasmania welcomes the news from the EPA that dissolved oxygen levels are improving. We are proud to be part of the collective effort to support the Maugean Skate recovery efforts,” Mr Clark said.

“These results are further evidence that working together is contributing to positive outcomes.”

Mr Clark said while the established science shows river flows are not a primary cause of low oxygen levels in Macquarie Harbour, they could be part of a solution.

He stressed river flows would not be a ‘quick fix’ and any actions to change river flows need to be informed by science.

“This is a complex system. It’s not like turning a tap on and off. Pulling the wrong lever at the wrong time could inadvertently make the situation worse.

“And in these extremely dry conditions, we need to make sure that any use of water has the desired impact.”

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Media contact: 0409 722 359 or media@hydro.com.au