Petuna to seek to join court action

The family-owned Tasmanian aquaculture firm, Petuna Aquaculture, will seek approval to join the actions taken in the state and federal courts by Huon Aquaculture against the Environment Protection Agency, DPIPWE and relevant state and federal ministers over the regulatory biomass limits set for Macquarie Harbour.

In announcing its decision, Petuna said it was concerned to protect Macquarie Harbour as a sustainable farming environment and its company’s interests within the harbour. In doing so Petuna reiterates its support for the actions of the independent regulator and the process by which the current biomass limit was set.

By way of background, Petuna pioneered the farming of Atlantic salmon and ocean trout in Macquarie Harbour in the late 1980s.

In 2012, approval was given for industry expansion in the harbour which provided additional water space for aquaculture.

This led to a substantial increase in total biomass production with a maximum ‘whole of harbour’ limit being set which the regulator reduced to 14,000 tonnes in January 2017.

For the past 30 years, Petuna has consistently farmed conservatively, staying well below its potential and regulated capacity in the interest of the long-term sustainability of the environment and its business.

Petuna’s decision to apply to join the proceedings reflects the importance that Petuna places on Macquarie Harbour not only in its current farming operations but as a sustainable site for the industry going forward.

Petuna has won global recognition for its sustainable management practices being the only company to have two species accredited with Best Aquaculture Practice. It also has Aquaculture Stewardship Council certification.
Petuna