Tasmanian farmer faces ASC probe

TASMANIAN salmon farmer Tassal’s operations were to be independently audited, it was announced last month, following legal action by the company’s main competitor, Huon Aquaculture, over the state of Macquarie Harbour.

Sustainability auditor SCS Global, on behalf of the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), will interview farm managers and workers, community and environmental groups about the Macquarie Harbour operation in the coming week, the Hobart Mercury reported.

Tassal will also destock one of its Macquarie Harbour leases after being ordered to do so by the Environment Protection Authority. The site was subject to 14 non-compliance issues after an underwater survey in September.

Tassal was the first aquaculture company in the world to achieve ASC certification for all its fish farms. Certification means that Tassal’s farmed salmon operation conforms to seven core principles relating to biodiversity preservation in the surrounding ecosystem, water quality protection, commitment to sustainable sourcing, and transparency with stakeholders.

Salmon farming is worth about AU$700 million in the island state, with the Tasmanian government committed to making it a $1 billion industry by 2030.