NESP MaC 4.25: Maugean Skate Adult Abundance and Habitat Distribution in Tasmania

Approximately 3,000 individuals of the endangered Maugean skate constitute one of the most limited distributions of any known extant elasmobranch, found only in two Tasmanian estuaries. This project by the NESP Marine and Coastal Hub uses Close Kin Mark Recapture (CKMR) sequencing and habitat selection models to estimate adult population size and critical habitat. The data, last updated in April 2026, is managed by the Australian Ocean Data Network.

Use Cases

• Estimate adult population abundance and survival rates based on Close Kin Mark Recapture (CKMR) genetic data.
• Model critical habitat distribution based on synoptic biophysical predictions and skate telemetry data.
• Inform conservation decision processes and monitoring options for an endangered species.
• Investigate the impact of low dissolved oxygen (DO2) conditions on skate habitat selection.

Strengths

• Focuses on a species with an extremely restricted distribution, found in only two estuaries.
• Applies a priority method (CKMR) identified in the species' Conservation Advice and Recovery Roadmap.
• Combines two distinct information sources: genetic kinship data and environmental telemetry data.

Limitations

• Description metadata is limited; actual data quality requires manual inspection after download.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network

Collection Method

Close Kin Mark Recapture (CKMR) sequencing and habitat selection modeling combining biophysical predictions with telemetry data.

Time Range

Likely includes data up to 2024 or later, given the project's 2024 Research Plan.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-04-28 17:33:04.803774; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Macquarie Harbour and Bathurst Harbour in south-western/western Tasmania.