Tassal, Huon Aquaculure and Petuna between them operate 11 fish farm leases in the harbour. (ABC News: Michael Cavanagh)
Salmon farms have not been asked to destock despite environmental threats to Tasmania's endangered Maugean skate. (Supplied: Jane Rucker)
29 October 24
As reported by the ABC:
In short:
About 1,149 tonnes of salmon farmed in Macquarie Harbour on Tasmania's west coast died between September last year and March this year, with the cause of death not reported.
The expansion of the industry in 2012 is now being reconsidered by the federal environment minister, amid concerns around the impact on the endangered Maugean skate.
"How can they lose a million kilos of fish, 10 per cent of their product, in just one area of Tasmania?"
"This is happening in public waters.
"We want to know the numbers of fish that are dying, the percentage of fish that are dying, the weight and most importantly, the causes." - Environmental group Neighbours of Fish Farming president Peter George.
What's next?
A group of scientists has signed a letter to the minister urging her to prioritise the skate's survival, and "reposition" the local community to transition away from the reliance on the industry.
- AUTHORS: JANO GIBSON & ADAM HOLMES
- SOURCE: THE AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING COMMISSION
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