SALMON producer Tassal has defended its environmental record at the company’s Macquarie Harbour fish farms.
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A leaked email to the Premier from Tassal’s major competitors was tabled in Parliament this week, raising serious concerns that the health of the harbour was being compromised.
Heads of Petuna and Huon Aquaculture pointed to disease outbreaks in Tassal pens, claiming the company was using antibiotics far earlier than in previous years.
The companies also accused the government of lifting fish stock caps in Macquarie Harbour to advantage Tassal’s operations.
Tassal chief executive Mark Ryan said yesterday his company was fully committed to sustainable farming.
‘‘We understand that people, including our competitors within the salmon industry, will have views on how we operate and our practices,’’ Mr Ryan said.
‘‘We continue to experience excellent fish health and growth in Macquarie Harbour and remain in compliance with any licence and lease conditions that either the state or federal government has in place.’’
Environment Tasmania marine co-ordinator Rebecca Hubbard said a rapid expansion of fish stock levels at Macquarie Harbour had harmed the health of the water.
Ms Hubbard said a 360 per cent increase in salmon farm production in the harbour was clearly unsustainable, urging the government to intervene.
‘‘The Tasmanian government needs to step in and commit to destocking salmon from Macquarie Harbour back to pre-expansion levels,’’ Ms Hubbard said.
‘‘It must ensure proper science and management is in place to avoid further risking this precious, unique environment and the viability of the industries that rely on it.’’
Greens leader Kim Booth said the Environmental Protection Authority must be allowed to investigate the health of Macquarie Harbour.
‘‘The Greens are calling for a guarantee from the minister that there are no obstacles in the path of the EPA undertaking any assessment, monitoring and investigation into the condition of Macquarie Harbour that the watchdog deems necessary,’’ Mr Booth said.
Primary Industries Minister Jeremy Rockliff told Parliament the EPA was working closely with marine farming regulators to continually monitor the harbour.