Any delay in key regulatory decisions for Macquarie Harbour raises serious concerns that a mass fish cull could be required, according to Tasmania’s peak environment group.
“Today the EPA said they are not expecting the next decision regarding the biomass cap in Macquarie Harbour to be released before the end of April. The problem with that is the 16/17 year class of salmon are already in the water,” said Laura Kelly, Strategy Director at Environment Tasmania.
“That means if market ready fish aren’t out of the Harbour, and companies have aggressively stocked their next year class of salmon, there could be more growth potential in Macquarie Harbour by the end of April than the 14,000 tonnes allowed,” Ms Kelly said. “Given that Tassal have delayed harvest of their Franklin lease and confirmed they had 2 million smolt in the Harbour in February, this is a very real risk.”
“Environment Tasmania is calling on all companies operating in the Harbour to make public information on what tonnage they will have on their leases by the end of April, including both market ready tonnage and what the grow out potential is of their next year class of fish.”
“We are also calling on the EPA to provide certainty to markets and the community by sticking to the April deadline for their pending biomass decision,” Ms Kelly said.
“The longer the EPA delays a decision on the next biomass cap for Macquarie Harbour, the greater the chances that companies will need to cull any additional tonnage, if the science finds biomass needs to be maintained at 14,000 tonnes or reduced.”
“The alternative, if the EPA doesn’t have the stomach for a mass fish cull, is to allow companies to set their own limit, risking further damage to an already suffocating ecosystem. Considering the survival of the Harbour is currently the subject of legal proceedings, the EPA is exposing itself to a significant risk of being found by the courts as unfit to govern the unfolding crisis in Macquarie Harbour.”
Laura Kelly Strategy Director Environment Tasmania
