Macquarie Harbour oxygenation trial

The Macquarie Harbour oxygenation trial responds to urgent conservation needs for the Maugean Skate by increasing dissolved oxygen levels. Climate-driven temperature increases over the past 30 years and other factors have reduced oxygen solubility and increased metabolic rates, impacting the harbor's ecosystem. This project aims to enhance oxygenation to support skate conservation and counterbalance oxygen depletion. A scientific evaluation program will assess effectiveness and environmental impacts, crucial for determining feasibility and scalability. Objectives include developing a plume model for oxygenation scenarios, measuring oxygen dynamics and spatial extent, monitoring ecosystem responses, and evaluating scalability using CSIRO's Macquarie Harbour Model. Progress updates will inform stakeholders on conservation actions for the Maugean skate.