Senator Brown Slams Fish Farm Review
February 21st 2011 05:54
"Many of these submissions expressed serious concerns about antibiotic use, damage to the marine environment, sustainability and noise. However, the panel's written response to these submissions had too little scientific basis and too much unsubstantiated opinion," Senator Brown said.
"There are inadequate baseline studies of the marine environment where these farms are located and no assessment of the farms' impact on the wider ecosystem.
"Further expansions of fish farming operations should depend on a better understanding of how they affect their surrounding environment and whether current regulation of their activities is adequate - for example, the impact of poisonous anti-fouling agents on nearby natural ecosystems,” Senator Brown said.
Tassal claims they are committed to sound environmental practices, and that the expansion is designed to keep different generations of salmon separated. Overlapping of year classes is not considered best practice from a fish health perspective since it provides an avenue for transfer of pathogens, particularly from older fish to younger and more potentially susceptible fish.
Every year Tassal produces Tonnes of fresh whole salmon, smoked salmon and salmon roe for domestic consumption and for overseas markets.
"Tassal faces a takeover by an overseas buyer. There is no rush for this expansion to go through unless and until its impact on other Tasmanians who enjoy the natural beauty of the D'Entrecasteaux Channel is adequately understood," Senator Brown said.
| 22 |
| Vote |
Add To: 
subscribe to this blog