The Tasmanian Greens today expressed concern over recent report from the state Director of Public Health Roscoe Taylor, that high nutrient levels have been detected the Huon estuary and the Port Esperence waters, causing significant side-effects to any Tasmanians who consume shellfish in those affected waters.
Greens Water spokesperson Tim Morris MP said that Dr Taylor needs to conduct a full investigation to measure what level of nutrients are being introduced into the water ways, where the nutrients are being introduced from, and then release that report to the public, and develop strategies to prevent it.
“The recent report from Dr Roscoe Taylor that a recent algal bloom has caused high toxicity levels to be found in shell-fish around the Huon estuary and Port Esperence wateris is quite alarming,” Mr Morris said.
“When symptoms such as tingling in the extremities and loss of balance among other things can be caused simply by consuming Tasmanian shell-fish in the affected areas, we need to ask ourselves, how is this happening.”
“Dr Taylor should conduct a full investigation to determine where the toxicity is coming from, how much contaminant is causing this to happen and then release that report to the public.”
“This is exactly why we need to address the levels of nutrient run-off, as well as ensuring that towns around our waterways have appropriate storm water siltation ponds.”
“I really hope, for the sake of other waterways which may be compromised by the same methods which have affected these areas, that a proper and comprehensive investigation is conducted,” Mr Morris said.
