Fish farm clean-up vow

MACQUARIE Harbour’s fish farmers are developing a code of practice to reduce the amount of debris that goes into nearby waterways.

The Cradle Coast Authority Natural Resource Management team says the pledge to develop at new debris regimen came after a second five-day marine clean-up around Strahan.

More than 11 tonnes of rubbish was removed during the two clean-ups. Eighty per cent of the debris was plastic.

A report, available on the Cradle Coast Authority NRM website, outlines the rubbish hot spots and discusses likely sources and possible mitigation measures.

It shows 19 per cent of the debris collected originated from commercial sources — fish farms and commercial fishing vessels — and around 40 per cent had a domestic or recreational origin.

More than 5000 drink containers were found across the 36 sites cleaned this year.

There was also enough rope collected to fill 50 garbage bags and 10 per cent of it came from fish farms.

“There are multiple sources of pollution from within the harbour with littering, commercial operations (aquaculture and fishing) and historical waste being the major sources,” Cradle Coast Authority NRM coastal co-ordinator Anna Wind said.

“As a result of the project, the aquaculture companies have committed to more regular independent clean-ups, and they are developing a code of practice to reduce debris caused by their activities.

“This is an essential strategy for the harbour’s future health. However, reducing the other types of rubbish in the harbour will require more action.”

The 2018 clean-up attracted twice as many volunteers as 2017 and rubbish was collected from twice as many shorelines.

Ms Wind said Petuna, Tassal and Huon Aquaculture were keen participants.

“The aquaculture farms have extended their allocated adopt-a-shoreline areas, and have committed to undertaking regular quarterly cleanups.”