A potential reduction in Macquarie Harbour fish farming is supported by the West Coast Council.
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The Environment Protection Authority has advised the salmon industry should reduce the level of fish farming in the harbour to 9000 tonnes a year – a 12,500 decline from two years ago.
The EPA said the science justifying aquaculture expansion on the West Coast was flawed and had caused mass fish deaths.
However, some local business owners have raised concerns about the potential effect of job losses for Strahan.
“If there were job losses it would be devastating for Strahan, because the town relies so much on the fish farms down here,” Bushman’s Bar co-owner Steve Bennett said.
An IMAS study into the health of Macquarie Harbour, released just days ago, reported low oxygen levels in the harbour caused a “major decline in the total abundance and number of species collected”.
West Coast mayor Phil Vickers said he did not want to see job losses, but it was important for the industry’s long-term sustainability that the harbour was better maintained.
“The harbour will be no good to anybody if it’s farmed to the extent that everything in the harbour dies,” Mr Vickers said.
Stefan Boscia
Stefan came to The Examiner after working as a copywriter at a digital media firm in Melbourne and interning at The Conversation. He is enthusiastic about reporting on business, local government and environmental issues. When he is not chained to his work desk, Stefan enjoys getting brunch, reading Saul Bellow novels and watching Carlton games.
Stefan came to The Examiner after working as a copywriter at a digital media firm in Melbourne and interning at The Conversation. He is enthusiastic about reporting on business, local government and environmental issues. When he is not chained to his work desk, Stefan enjoys getting brunch, reading Saul Bellow novels and watching Carlton games.
