An independent review conducted by Professor Colin Buxton has found there is no scientific basis to claims that salmon farming in south east Tasmania is contributing to declining productivity in the abalone fishery.

The Hodgman Liberal Government takes very seriously our obligation to balance a sustainable salmon industry with other fisheries while ensuring we protect our marine environment.

Last year, in response to concerns raised by the Tasmanian Abalone Council, I requested that the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment commission a review of any causal links between salmon farming expansion in the south east and risks to the abalone fishery.

Professor Colin Buxton, the former director of the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, has now concluded this review. Prof Buxton consulted with the Tasmanian Abalone Council, Huon Aquaculture and Tassal in setting up the terms of reference.

Professor Buxton has not found any evidence that indicates a direct cause and effect relationship between abalone production and the salmon farming development in the area.

Other findings include:

· There is no evidence of any major broad-scale environmental impacts from salmon farming in the Huon and D’Entrecasteaux Channel region ;
· There is no evidence that the “milky dust” on macroalgae observed in parts of the system is derived from salmon farming;
• Impacts relating to solid wastes are localised to sediment below cages, are sustainable and do not pose a significant broad-scale risk to the environment; and
• There will not be a significant expansion of salmon farming as a result of the suite of Marine Farming Development Plan amendments that have been approved or proposed in south eastern Tasmania since July 2013. These amendments represent just a 1.86 per cent increase of the total lease area.

Professor Buxton’s independent assessment of the scientific evidence shows that the salmon industry in the Huon and D’Entrecasteaux Channel region is operating in an environmentally sustainable way.

It supports the continuation of environmental monitoring undertaken by DPIPWE and suggests there is an opportunity for greater engagement between the wild fisheries and salmon marine farming sectors.
It has identified a need for further research on “far field effects” and impacts on rocky reef habitat, and I note that IMAS is currently working on a major project funded through the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation to inform our understanding of reef interactions and assessment of reef health.

The outputs of this work will be important in informing the ongoing refinements of the management of this important industry, consistent with the adaptive management principles that are applied to deliver ongoing sustainable development.

We will not be complacent in protecting Tasmania’s marine environment and our clean, safe and quality seafood. The Department and I will continue to work cooperatively with all aquaculture and fishery industries on all issues.
Jeremy Rockliff, Minister for Primary Industries and Water