A Call for Minister Plibersek to Champion Job Growth, Sustainable Salmon Farming, and Environmental Protection in Tasmania

Open Letter to the Minister, 2024 10 20

Dear Minister,

I am writing to express my concerns and propose a solution regarding the ongoing management of salmon farming in Tasmania. This industry, vital for economic and employment opportunities, currently faces significant environmental challenges. However, I believe a transformative approach can yield positive outcomes across multiple fronts.

A Triple Win Strategy: Jobs, Environment, and Business

Salmon farming in Tasmania is crucial yet controversial due to its environmental impact. Unlike terrestrial farming methods—such as poultry, swine, or land-based aquaculture, where waste is treated and managed—salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour involves pens that act as static repositories for fish waste and uneaten feed. This results in substantial accumulation of waste materials at the sea bottom, creating an unhealthy environment for the salmon, which necessitates increased antibiotic use and poses risks of disease transmission to wild populations.

The environmental toll is considerable, with depleted oxygen levels in some bay areas rendering them uninhabitable. Moreover, the escape of farmed salmon introduces diseases to wild stocks, contributing to the decline in wild salmon populations, as observed in Canada.

Proposed Shift: From Ocean to Land-Based Aquaculture

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