Credible estimates suggest the number of salmon deaths in the weeks-long mortality event are into the millions, but the Rockliff Government is still unable to be precise about the bacteria responsible or the impact on native fish. Worse, they gave no indication to the Greens’ in Parliament they’ll do anything concrete to rein in the biosecurity risks and fish farming companies’ toxic pollution of marine waters.
In response to Greens’ questions, the Liberals could not confirm whether Tasmanian salmon are infected with the same disease that caused the collapse of Chile’s entire industry. Salmon carcasses are not being contained within pens, and rotting chunks of diseased fish are spilling into surrounding waterways with untold harms to native fish and marine health. Community members are rightly concerned and deserve answers.
Deeply disturbing footage taken by the Bob Brown Foundation of Huon Aquaculture operations also shows live fish being stuffed into huge bins and left to suffocate. Do we need more evidence the salmon farming industry is built on animal cruelty?
The Liberals and EPA have covered up, downplayed and spread disinformation about the causes, extent and impacts of this mass salmon mortality. It’s clear they’ve given the salmon farming industry free rein to do whatever they want in Tasmanian waters.
The Liberals were silent when asked by the Greens whether the EPA would be free from their public sector hiring freeze. As well as being an outrageous reckless response in the midst of a biosecurity crisis, there’s no doubt an even weaker EPA would also benefit big salmon corporates.
The Rockliff Government needs to be transparent about the impacts salmon farming is having on public-owned waters. The EPA needs bolstered independence powers, and to conduct a proper investigation into the crisis unfolding in Tasmanian waterways.
