The Tasmanian government has announced a pause on the expansion of the state’s salmon industry while it conducts an independent review into the sector’s sustainability, regulation and environmental impact.
The decision follows confirmation that the bacterial disease Piscirickettsia salmonis has once again been detected in salmon pens in southern Tasmania.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the review would examine disease management, monitoring systems, regulation, and the environmental and economic impacts of salmon farming.
“Our traditional industries have been doing this for generations, and our state has benefited enormously from their hard work and innovation. And for the record, I back the salmon industry and the Tasmanian families it supports 100%,” Mr Rockliff said. “But it must be at the top of its game to meet the expectations of Tasmanians. So we will be launching an independent study of the salmon industry to ensure its sustainable future. There will be a pause on marine expansion of the industry while the study is completed.”
The study will be undertaken by an independent, off-island specialist organization. While it is underway, no new marine farming leases or expansions will be approved, and finfish rights will be removed from leases not currently in use.
The government said the review’s terms of reference, to be developed with the Parliament, are likely to include:
- Monitoring, regulation, compliance measures and environmental standards.
- Disease and antibiotic use, as well as scientific research into impacts.
- International research on alternative farming methods, including land-based and offshore systems.
- Full assessment of the industry’s impact on public waterways, infrastructure and government costs.
- Broader economic, scientific and environmental impacts on communities, jobs and the marine environment.
Environment Minister Madeleine Ogilvie announced further measures to tighten oversight.
“We will develop and deliver a Marine Environment Tasmania Act, in consultation with the Parliament and the community, and we will further strengthen regulatory oversight,” she said. Waste management standards for aquaculture will also be reviewed to ensure they meet “contemporary standards and community expectations.”
The latest outbreak of Piscirickettsia salmonis follows a major fish mortality event over the summer, when dead salmon washed up on beaches in southern Tasmania. Industry is pursuing a vaccine as well as alternative management strategies, alongside the push to fast-track Florfenicol, which has been used overseas but not widely in Australia.
The government said its independent Environment Protection Authority and Chief Veterinary Officer would advise on the antibiotic’s use, stressing that “animal welfare, biosecurity and the waterways must be at the forefront of everything industry does.”
The announcement comes as Premier Rockliff prepares to face renewed pressure on his leadership when Parliament resumes on Tuesday. Last month’s snap election delivered a near-identical balance of power to the previous parliament, leaving no party with a majority.
