December 10, 2024

 

Australian opposition leader rules out salmon farming ban amid conservation concerns

Peter Dutton, Leader of the Opposition in Australia and MP for the division of Dickson, has stated that a Coalition government would not ban salmon farming in Tasmania's Macquarie Harbour, even if the Maugean skate's status is upgraded to "critically endangered."

 

During his visit to Tasmania, Dutton emphasised the coexistence of the endangered skate — a species of ray with a population estimated at just 40 to 120 adults — and the salmon industry, which produces nearly 9,500 tonnes of salmon annually in the harbour.

 

Dutton pointed to industry engagement with scientific research and environmental support as evidence of its commitment to sustainability.

 

The federal environment department's draft conservation advice has identified salmon farming as a significant human-induced factor contributing to the degradation of the skate's habitat. The Threatened Species Scientific Committee is reviewing whether the skate's status should be revised from endangered to critically endangered, with a decision expected by October next year.

 

Australia's Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek is also deliberating on whether the 2012 approval for increased salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour should be reviewed. A review could lead to a temporary suspension of the industry during the process.

 

Dutton called for swift action from Plibersek, urging her to support salmon farming. "Regional areas will be destroyed because there is just no replacement industry," he said. "We want a vibrant Tasmanian economy and we can only do that if we support the sector."

 

Last month, the federal Labour government allocated AUD 28 million (US$17.9 million) to improve water quality in Macquarie Harbour and to continue a breeding programme for the Maugean skate. Fisheries Minister Julie Collins expressed confidence that the skate and the salmon industry could coexist. "We can have salmon, and we can have the environment," Ms Collins said.

 

Meanwhile, public opposition to salmon farming continues to grow. Hundreds of people gathered at Cremorne Beach in southern Tasmania to protest a salmon farm proposal for Storm Bay.

 

In 2019, Petuna Aquaculture received approval to farm salmon in Storm Bay. However, new biosecurity standards introduced in 2022 require adult and juvenile fish to be separated by at least 4 km. Petuna is seeking approval to transfer part of its lease to a new site 1.6 km from Clifton Beach.

 

Tasmania's three largest salmon producers are foreign-owned. Tassal was acquired by Cooke Seafood in 2022, Petuna by New Zealand's Sealord in 2020, and Huon Aquaculture by Brazil's JBS in 2021.

 

Sealord CEO Doug Paulin defended the industry's practices, highlighting strict regulations on marine debris and environmental management in Storm Bay. "Petuna is diligently progressing through the environmental surveys and preparing the necessary reporting to support the proposed division of this lease," he said.

 

-      ABC News