The Oxygenation Offset Program in Macquarie Harbour (OOPMH) is a two-year Australian Government-funded initiative to address the management of dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in Macquarie Harbour.
FRDC and Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) have signed a funding agreement to deliver up to $18.3 million for the OOPMH.
At times the DO conditions in the Harbour can threaten the endangered Maugean Skate, with marine finfish aquaculture identified as a contributor to oxygen demand in the water column and sediments.
The Program is part of the Government’s broader $37.5 million commitment to the recovery of the Maugean Skate (Zearaja Maugeana), classified as an endangered species under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). The Maugean Skate, found only in Macquarie Harbour on Tasmania's west coast, may be impacted due to declining oxygen levels in its habitat.
The long-term recovery of the Maugean Skate requires coordinated action across multiple fronts. This oxygenation program represents one component of a comprehensive strategy being implemented for the Maugean Skate and Macquarie Harbour.
The program will be overseen by three groups working together to ensure transparency and accountability. The Independent Advisory and Review Panel will provide scientific peer review and independent advice, the Program Advisory Committee will share local knowledge and on-the-ground perspectives, and the Program Board will use these inputs to guide decisions and keep the program moving forward.
FRDC will coordinate the delivery of the program, with a focus on transparent reporting and public access to the results.
What does the program aim to achieve?
Building on lessons from the Macquarie Harbour Oxygenation Project (MHOP), OOPMH will deliver a scalable, peer-reviewed oxygenation solution through collaboration with regulators, industry, experts, and communities.
The program aims to:
- Offset dissolved oxygen demand from aquaculture using mechanical oxygenation.
- Develop a validated and repeatable oxygenation methodology.
- Transition oxygenation responsibility to industry post-2027.
- Support ecological functioning of Macquarie Harbour.
Expressions of Interest for Oxygen Offset Program
The Oxygen Offset Program in Macquarie Harbour (OOPMH) Expression of Interest was open from 1 September to 2 October 2025. Evaluations are currently underway.
The call for Investment for the Oxygenation Offset Program in Macquarie Harbour Science Program was open from 1 September to 9 October 2025.
A further update will be provided once the successful Applicant/s have been selected and contracted.
