War of words erupts over ‘puerile’ anti-salmon video

HUON Aquaculture boss Frances Bender has launched a scathing attack on Mona owner David Walsh’s wife accusing her of “inciting violence” in a video which purports to blow up salmon farms.

“Salmon farms are f...ing up our water,” Kirsha Kaechele, an artist and curator has posted with the video on social media. “Someone needs to handle it. “When the s... gets heavy, a true leader takes action.”

The three-and-a-half minute spoof video features Ms Kaechele calling in special forces to cut nets and then bomb three fish farms.

In an email to Ms Kaechele exclusively obtained by the Mercury, Ms Bender said she was incredibly disappointed to see the video – “ridiculous and puerile at best, inciting violence at worst”.

“You are using, trivialising and demonising the 2300+ lives of everyone gainfully employed in my industry,” Ms Bender wrote.

“One could ask your motive.

“It must be to generate and increase your own social media, because you have been invited to see facts of salmon farming, but have not bothered to contact me which clearly indicates you aren’t interested in the facts that underpin this 35-year iconic $1bn Tasmanian industry founded for the benefits of Tasmanians.”

In her social media post, Ms Kaechele, who is dedicated to helping children from low socio-economic backgrounds with her 24 carrot school gardens, says she does not want “gorgeous clear water messed with”.

“For those who don’t understand the issue, salmon farms create a lot of excess nitrogen/nutrient in the form of concentrated fish s... and more s... and extra fish feed floating everywhere,” Ms Kaechele said. “All that nutrient causes algae blooms which create dead zones and makes the water nasty. You can visit TAMP or talk to a water scientist if you want a proper explanation.”

Ms Bender said the salmon industry was based on “robust science, data and research” and she had welcomed and sponsored many people from overseas to make Tasmania their home.

“You have also become a Tasmanian but sadly from your place of arrogant privilege, with your following of empty headed sycophants, you show that you really don’t understand what it is to be one of us,” she wrote.

“Kirsha you might think your video is art, but in the current economic climate, my focus is on ensuring my employees have a roof over their head and food in their tummies.

“Perhaps you need to take yourself off the narcissistic world of social media and take some quiet moments to self-reflect of (sic) who you are as a woman and a mother. Memories are all we leave and I know the type I am leaving.”

Ms Kaechele’s criticism of the salmon industry comes in the wake of author Richard Flanagan’s book Toxic which also attacked the industry’s practices.