Salmon Industry Faces Crisis Following Mass Fish Deaths in Tasmania

Salmon Tasmania has publicly called for sympathy and cooperation following an unprecedented crisis in local salmon farming, involving a mass mortality event that has significantly affected operations. In response, the representative body for the industry has committed to reviewing practices and implementing future improvements.

According to Tasmania's Environment Protection Authority (EPA), over 5,500 tonnes of deceased salmon, amounting to about 6% of the local industry's annual production, were disposed of last month at dedicated waste facilities. These fish deaths, primarily from farms owned by Huon Aquaculture and Tassal in the D'Entrecasteaux Channel region, are attributed to an endemic bacterium known as Piscirickettsia salmonis (P. salmonis). Compounding factors, including summer weather conditions and a newly emerged strain of the bacterium, resulted in this exceptional event.

Salmon Tasmania's Chief Executive, Luke Martin, issued an apology to local communities, acknowledging the impact and concerns this situation has caused. He stated that the industry is dedicated to correcting these issues, emphasizing their historical commitment to sustainable practices and animal health. Martin described the ordeal as devastating and affirmed the industry's responsibility to protect the local marine environment.

In addition to the substantial fish losses, community members have reported discovering salmon remnants and fatty substances washed onto beaches in Tasmania. Martin indicated these deposits likely resulted from leakage during transportation from salmon pens. He described this as an unprecedented occurrence in the area, explaining they are urgently investigating and addressing how such a spill was able to occur.

Further controversy arose from a recent video showing living salmon confined in containers without proper oxygen, prompting Martin to acknowledge this was not representative of standard industry practices or acceptable animal welfare standards. This has drawn serious criticism from political leaders, including federal MP Andrew Wilkie, who expressed alarm about the situation and accused both government and opposition of inadequate management and transparency. Wilkie emphasized the importance of adopting sustainable practices, including relocating salmon farms closer to shore and eventually transitioning towards onshore farming.

Responding to criticisms, Deputy Premier Guy Barnett stated the Tasmanian government expects high standards of transparency from the industry. While emphasizing the substantial economic benefit and employment opportunities the salmon industry provides, Barnett reinforced the demand for accountability from salmon producers. Premier Jeremy Rockliff had earlier indicated that the industry was being closely monitored and that its performance was under scrutiny.

Barnett also reassured residents there were no health risks posed by this event, confirming the EPA's ongoing investigation into the incident.