Media release – NW TaS for Clean Oceans, 2 April 2023
Huge opposition to expansion of the finfish industry
Over 1000 people attended a rally in Wynyard to oppose the government’s planned expansion of the finfish industry to the northwest coast.
Speakers included marine scientist Louise Cherry, Gerard Castle (Bruny Island spokesperson), Glen Saltmarsh (surfer), Glenda Fawbert (NW Tas for Clean Oceans) and professional fisherman Craig Garland. Together they warned of the dangers of allowing finfish farming to pollute the pristine waters and beaches of the north-west coast.
A passionate plea came from a 15 year old student who appealed to the state government to remember that these oceans belong to the community and future generations, not to overseas shareholders.
Several speakers were concerned about the lack of objective government decision making. They also drew attention to the environmental records of two of the international salmon companies, Cooke and JBS, who now control this lucrative industry for overseas shareholders.
A petition calling on the government to prepare an independent, professional Business Case and a Cost Benefit Analysis to support the expansion and continuation of the finfish industry, received overwhelming support.
NW Tas for Clean Oceans Spokesperson, Robyn Weare, said “This industry has been operating without a business case or a cost benefit analysis since the1980s. The government must be made accountable for how they spend taxpayer dollars and explain what, if any, net return there is to Tasmania.
Note: This rally was organised by fledgling Wynyard group No Salmon Farms for NW Tassie, with assistance from NW Tas for Clean Oceans.
