 Labor accepts Marine Farming Review Panel’s decision and respects independent science
 Liberals have provided no leadership and eroded trust
 Aquaculture supports significant jobs when full time employment needed most
Labor has proposed stronger regulation for salmon leases to ensure the industry can continue to grow sustainably and maintain the confidence of the community.
The Hodgman Liberal Government has eroded trust in the sector by failing to provide leadership and created uncertainty about jobs in the industry.
Shadow Primary Industries Minister Rebecca White said Labor had always been a strong supporter of the salmon industry and respected the independent panel’s decision about Okehampton Bay.
“We have always respected the independent science around fish farming and we accept the Marine Farm Planning Review Panel’s decision on Okehampton Bay,” Ms White said.
“But, in recognition of growing community interest in the regulation of the salmon industry, we believe the Okehampton lease should be subject to the most stringent environmental regulations and oversight.
“There should also be a phase-in period of 12 months of these new measures for all existing leases.”
Ms White said measures that should be imposed on the Okehampton lease and all new salmon leases include:
 Maximum stocking densities be reviewed and assessed based on individual leases, rather than a body of water, ensuring greater accountability and compliance with environmental conditions for each individual lease
 Stocking densities be reviewed to include assessment of net depth and tonnes of fish per farmed hectare
 Remote sensor technology be used to collect real time environmental data that can be provided to the Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) for reporting to the Regulator each quarter and published online
 The resources of the EPA be increased to allow them to adequately regulate the salmon industry
 The frequency of surveys of the seabed increase to quarterly for each new lease for the first year and twice a year for every year following, allowing the Regulator to act more swiftly in the event of non-compliance
“Labor would also use international best practice to inform the development of a robust biosecurity management plan for the industry and provide opportunities for new investment to be made using the latest technology and innovation.
“Labor will also require Finfish licences that have been in abeyance for more than 10 years to undergo a full environmental assessment prior to new applications being considered.
“Labor’s policy will continue to support jobs in the salmon industry and support companies to grow sustainably while also improving the regulatory framework in which they operate so they meet the high expectations Tasmanians have of any industry doing business in this state.
“Labor will act to provide certainty to the industry, to the community and to markets.”
http://taslabor.com/supporting-tasmanian-salmon-industry/
Rebecca White MP Shadow Minister for Primary Industries and Water