Tasmania calls halt to salmon farming expansion

Salmon companies and its supporters have attacked the move as “shameful”, claiming it is purely a political ploy.

Tasmania is one of Australia’s main aquaculture centres and home to the largest salmon farming industry, but it is often the focus of criticism by environmental groups, particularly over its perceived threat to a rare species of fish known as the Maugean skate. This species is unique to the Macquarie Harbour area, which is also the location for several salmon farms.

The governing Liberal party has promised a pause on salmon farm expansion and an independent review of the industry as it bids to survive a no-confidence motion in the state parliament. Any expansion of salmon farming will be paused while this exercise is ongoing.

The review will try to establish if environmental standards and legislation need to be strengthened or changed, as well as examining international methods of fish farming. Disease and antibiotic use are also expected to be on the agenda following large-scale salmon deaths last year.

In a concession to independent MPs critical of the operation of salmon farms in public waterways, Premier Jeremy Rockliff said he supported the industry but that it was “on notice” after a mass mortality event last summer adding it must “operate transparently and responsibly and meet its obligations to the community”.

The national broadcaster ABC reports that Rockliff said it would ensure the industry operates with "smarter regulations".

Other critics have said that wildlife deaths around salmon farms were “all too common”.

Cabinet minister Kerry Vincent said that all stakeholders will be consulted as the government develops its terms of reference for the salmon review.