Media release – Neighbours of Fish Farming, 18 August 2023
Salmon escape in the Huon? Who is responsible?
“There must have been a salmon escape … you’ll catch those things all day long” – fishing guru Nick Crawford this morning (18 August) on ABC radio Hobart with Leon Compton.
ABC Radio Hobart today reported anglers catching Atlantic salmon below the bridge in Huonville. Tassal and Huon Aquaculture, both now owned by overseas companies, have net pens in the Huon River. Their lease conditions require them to report escapes of more than 500 fish to the EPA within 24 hours. Wes Ford, Director of the EPA, this afternoon confirmed that they have not received any reports.
There are no Australian studies of any scientific rigor on escaped salmon, to assess predation on native wildlife, and ecological threat. An IMAS study in 2022 relied only on the self-reported observations of recreational fishers. Overseas research found that within 2 weeks, up to 40% of escaped salmon were successfully foraging on native wildlife. (https://www.alexandramorton.
“We ask Huon and Tassal, has there been a recent escape from your pens in the Huon River? How many fish have escaped your feedlots in the past month?” says Jessica Coughlan, Campaigner at Neighbours of Fish Farming.
“We ask the EPA: what fines can be imposed for Atlantic salmon escapes in our native waterways? What steps if any will the EPA take to investigate this report? Or does the EPA only respond if and when the salmon companies bother to report?”
Jim moth
August 20, 2023 at 14:29
The salmon farm owners are only interested in making money. They don’t care what damage they do to our waterways. The premier and Jo Palmer don’t care either. All they care about is how much money the government gets. I hope they are held accountable for what damage is done to our waterways as they keep their heads buried in the sand.
They have lost my vote.