BITS AND PIECES

Global Outcry As Endangered Maugean Skate Population Halves

In late July, more than 80 global organisations publicly demanded immediate action toward saving the Maugean skate, a member of the shark and ray family, after scientists from the University of Tasmania’s Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) reported a dramatic collapse in their numbers. Found only in Macquarie Harbour on Tasmania’s West Coast, the endangered Maugean skate population has almost halved in less than seven years. The IMAS scientists attribute the decline to the degraded environmental conditions in Macquarie Harbour, particularly dissolved oxygen levels, and cited fish farms as one of the main causes of low dissolved oxygen levels. The demand comes as federal and state government workshops were held in Hobart late July to decide on urgent action to prevent the extinction of the Maugean skate – a rare animal dating back to the time of dinosaurs.

Even though there is scientific evidence that industrial fish farms in Macquarie Harbour are having impact on the waterway’s health and skate numbers, all three fish farming companies operating in the harbour are certified as environmentally responsible by Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) or GlobalG.A.P. Signatories from 17 countries have sent open letters to BAP and GlobalG.A.P requesting the withdrawal of sustainability certifications from farmed salmon and trout raised in waters adjacent to Macquarie Harbour.

Kelly Roebuck from SeaChoice, one of the signatories, said, “Major supermarkets rely on these certifications to sell farmed salmon and ocean trout with their “responsibly sourced” logos as part of their sustainable seafood policies. But there is nothing responsible about driving one of the rarest skate species in the world to extinction.” The signatories include marine, shark conservation, animal welfare, and community groups, as well as independent scientists, a public policy think tank, and award-winning authors.

IT’S TIME TO SHINE HOBART RETAILERS! THE NATIONAL RETAIL AWARDS ARE OPEN

If you run a retail shop or online store, it’s time to glam up and get ready for the ball. The 2023 National Retail Awards are now open for all Tasmanian retailers who want to showcase their entrepreneurialism, innovation and diversity. Nominees can range from online stores to bricksand-mortar shops, and individual retail owners to national chains can also enter. The awards have expanded this year to encompass seventeen categories which recognise the growing online retail sector. Last year’s ‘Small Retailer of the Year Award’ was won by Zea, a Tasmanian family company producing topical pain relief products from the oil of the native

Kunzea plant. “I’d certainly encourage others across the retail industry to enter. The recognition puts your brand out there plus it boosts the whole team,’’ Zea’s Managing Director, Hayden Brass said. Entries for the award nominations close on 31 August 2023 with finalists announced in October at the annual National Retail Awards gala dinner held in Brisbane. For more information about the categories and eligibility criteria visit www.nationalretailawards.com.au.

Eco Buses On The Way

You might see some slightly different buses around town soon as Metro Tasmania trial three hydrogen fuel cell electric buses in Hobart for the next three years. They’ll also trial three battery electric buses in Launceston. Foton Mobility, Custom Bus Group and H2H Energy have been appointed as suppliers for the trials. Hopefully they’ll have some drivers to service these new buses!

WALK THE THREE CAPES TRACK FOR CHEAP(ISH)

For the month of August, you can walk the Three Capes Track for the discounted rate of $360 (usually $595 since July’s price increase). The discount applies for bookings until 31 August, so get in quick.