Tasmanian Aquaculture

Ocean-based aquaculture, while economically significant, poses serious environmental risks that cannot be ignored. Unlike their land-based counterparts, ocean fish farms directly release waste, uneaten feed, and chemicals into the marine environment, contributing significantly to water pollution. This waste can lead to eutrophication, where increased nutrients cause explosive growth of algae that depletes oxygen, harming aquatic life. Additionally, ocean farms act as breeding grounds for parasites like sea lice, which not only affect farmed fish but also threaten wild fish populations. The containment measures in ocean farms are less controlled, often leading to the accidental release of non-native species into local marine ecosystems, potentially disrupting local biodiversity.

Tasmania produces 60,000 tons of salmon year, that generates over 30,000 tons of fecal matter and uneaten food that “settles” unmanaged into the environment annually.

In contrast, land-based aquaculture systems offer tighter regulatory control over environmental impacts. Technologies such as recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) enable the treatment and reuse of water, significantly reducing pollution and the escape of non-native species and pathogens. The closed containment systems provide an opportunity for better waste management and disease control, aligning aquaculture practices with stronger environmental stewardship. Given the stark contrast in potential environmental impacts, support should shift towards land-based aquaculture, where regulatory measures can be more effectively implemented to safeguard our aquatic environments.

Land based aquaculture’s water put back into the environment is monitored and managed by the environment protection authority to protect our environment for future generations.

A bad story for Tasmania, a horrible one for future generations and the environment.