Scientists warn Maugean skate, Tasmania’s ‘thylacine of the sea’, one extreme weather event from extinction

Researchers warn rapid action needed to prevent the extinction of an ancient fish species found only in Macquarie Harbour

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Scientists have warned an ancient fish species that has survived since the time of the dinosaurs could be one extreme weather event from extinction after its population crashed by nearly half in seven years.

The Maugean skate, described by marine scientists as a “thylacine of the sea”, is found only in Macquarie Harbour, a vast body of water on Tasmania’s remote west coast.