Environment Tasmania has raised serious concerns about today’s decision by the EPA to maintain current salmon stocking levels in Macquarie Harbour – which has become a focal point in the conflict over governance of Australia’s largest fisheries sector.
“Today’s determination involves a cap reduction but no actual biomass reduction in Macquarie Harbour – to be clear, this decision will do nothing to reduce the amount of salmon and salmon waste being pumped into the harbour,” said Laura Kelly, Strategy Director, Environment Tasmania.
“Given IMAS scientists have warned that the Harbour is at a tipping point, with all marine life dead under Tassal’s largest lease and up to 500 metres beyond the lease area, it is deeply concerning that the EPA has not moved to immediately reduce the amount of salmon waste in the Harbour and begin clean-up activities.”
“Tassal’s Franklin lease should have been fallowed immediately. The company has been given permission to farm over a dead zone for more than 2 months following the EPA’s draft decision – raising serious concerns that marine farming laws are not being implemented.”
“The determination also fails to mention any fines – Tassal has gained significant commercial benefit from continue to farm over a dead zone in Macquarie Harbour – and has received no penalty for breaking marine farming laws. In fact – they have received an invitation to continue to operate in breach of regulations until the end of January, when their fish will reach marketable size.”
Environment Tasmania is calling on the EPA and Minister Rockliff’s office to release to the public the scientific reports which have informed the determination.
“The Director of the EPA promised that the latest Macquarie Harbour Status Report would be available at the end of November last year, yet it still hasn’t been released. Nor has the IMAS advice to government on the environmental crisis in the harbour.”
“To withhold evidence from the public in the midst of such a controversial decision and at a pivotal point for survival of endangered species, raises concerns that the government is concealing the level of harm in the harbour to protect the financial interests of the largest fisheries company in Australia.”
“We urge the government to release the evidence on oxygen levels and the death of marine life under Tassal’s leases, so that impacted parties – like the local community, other salmon companies and conservation groups, can participate in democratic processes to protect their interests and the health of a World Heritage listed, public waterway.” Ms Kelly said.
“Allowing for the damage in Macquarie Harbour to continue for the sake of the short-term economic interests of one company is incredibly short-sighted and only damages the Tassie salmon brand and the security of the jobs in the sector,” Ms Kelly said.
Laura Kelly Strategy Director Environment Tasmania
