The United Nations must step in to save a save dinosaur fish from extinction in Australian waters at risk due to farming.
That's the call from leading conservation advocates, a state land council and the Australia Institute who urged the international body to visit the area to protect the Maugean skate in Tasmania.
The fish lives in Macquarie Harbour in the state's west where tonnes of salmon are farmed, with the federal government's own conservation advice calling for urgent action to eliminate or significantly reduce its impact on the harbour's oxygen levels.
Environmental advocates have written to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to get involved.
They claim the Australian Government's "inadequate regulatory action" failed to protect the species.
"It is clear that the Maugean skate is in a precarious situation, that the health of Macquarie Harbour remains compromised and that the aquaculture industry's operations in the harbour are having unacceptable impacts," the letter stated.
The Australia Institute, Bob Brown Foundation and the Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania were among 14 signatories.
UNESCO wrote to the Australian Government about these concerns in 2024 and the group are calling on the Australian Government to publicly release its response.
Maugean skate is the only known skate that lives in a habitat of mixed salt and fresh water.
It is known as a dinosaur fish as the species is descended from ancestors in the Gondwana era, when continents were joined together.
The world is watching what happens next, Australian Marine Conservation Society shark scientist Dr Leonardo Guida said.
"A living dinosaur is on the absolute brink of extinction, with its fate in the hands of leaders elected by the Australian public – a public that has a right to know how its irreplaceable natural values are going to be protected," he said.
In a visit to Tasmania's west coast in December, Mr Albanese said he supported both farming and good outcomes for the skate, including funding a captive breeding program and oxygenation at Macquarie Harbour.
Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek is considering a ban on the practice as a government body prepares an assessment on the skate due in late 2025.
The environment minister has been approached for comment.
