New group ups ante in fight over fish farm growth

AN alliance of 11 groups and six associates has released a series of demands that would stymie further expansion of Tasmania’s industrial fish farms until their effects are better understood.

The Tasmanian Alliance for Marine Protections was formed after six months of meetings between organisations including RecFish Tasmania, Bruny Sustainable Aquaculture and South East Marine protection, as well as representatives from the abalone, crayfish and fishing charter industries.

The group’s demands, released yesterday, include: AN immediate moratorium on further expansion of fish farm- ing leases and the reopening of existing leases in coastal waters until the impacts on existing wild fisheries are known. ALL marine farming be considered under an updated Land Use and Approvals Act. THE Marine Farming Review Panel include a community representative and marine scientist. THE Government establish fish farming compliance officers. PENALTIES for lost equipment, fish and materials be enforced.

TAMP chairman Mark Bishop said the group would be a united voice for people and groups concerned about the expansion of industry salmon and trout farming around the state’s coastline.

“We are not against salmon farming — we are against inappropriate salmon farming,” he said.

Sailor Sheenagh Neil said she knew of three major incidents between sailors and fish farms. She said there was a growing concern lives would be lost because of the debris.

Acting Primary Industries Minister Will Hodgman yes- terday dismissed the demands.

He said TAMP failed to recognise what the Government had done including transferring environmental management responsibilities to the Environmental Protection Authority, strengthening regulations, and taking a zero-tolerance approach to debris.

The Opposition was contacted for comment.