Island’s troubled waters

TASMANIA’S largest salmon producer will have a fight on its hands if it pushes ahead with plans for salmon farming off King Island, locals have warned.

The 1600-strong community has virtually zero unemployment, thanks to thriving beef, dairy and shellfish industries, with a surge in golf tourism boosted by the Cape Wickham and Ocean Dunes courses.

Last month, the revelation that Tassal was exploring the potential of fish farming off King Island’s northeast coast took many residents by surprise.

Since then, some locals have mobilised in opposition to the proposal, forming a social media group and developing plans for community meetings, petitions, a “fighting fund” and even merchandise.

Primary Industries Minister Jeremy Rockliff said in early November that Tassal had obtained a permit to investigate the prospects of salmon farming in a 124sq km area off Nine Mile Beach.

He said at the time that Tassal’s interest was good news for the island in terms of jobs and infrastructure.

Head of Aquaculture Mark Asman said it was extremely early in the process to determine if King Island was suitable for salmon farming in high energy, oceanic conditions.

Environmental monitoring is expected to begin soon, but Mr Asman warned it could take months or years to complete environmental investigations.

“Ensuring we have appropriately consulted and considered the local community and other shared users of the farming waterways also takes time,” he said.

Organiser and King Island resident Charlie Stubbs said he was yet to come across anyone in the community who was in favour of fish farming near the island.

“Nobody has been able to tell me one thing that King Island or King Islanders will gain from having those fish farms,” Mr Stubbs said.

“What I do know is that the economy of King Island is based almost entirely on our brand, our brand is one of clean and green. The brand is the backbone of the economy.

“If our brand is tainted through its association with Tassal or any fish farming then our economy could be gutted.”

It’s an opinion shared by fellow resident Gina Green, who said she could not see any benefits for the community from the salmon farm.

“We have everything to lose and nothing to gain,” she said.

“We punch so far above our weight in regards to producing some of the better known brands, our beef and our cheese is world famous, I just feel if we have a disaster like Macquarie Harbour, that is going to taint our name so badly.

“I just don’t think they’ve got anything to offer us.”

The suggested area for salmon farming, off Nine Mile Beach, is close to one of the world’s best onshore surf breaks — Martha Lavinia.

Its proximity means the international surfing community is taking a keen interest, according to Mr Stubbs.

It’s also near the Lavinia Ramsar site, which is listed as a wetland of international importance.

Crayfisherman Bear Alexander was concerned that salmon farms in the area would bring seals, and problems.

“If you’ve got a lot of seals

hanging around fish pens, and this is right on the boundary of one of the best surf beaches … what do you think eats the seals?

“Sharks. And they’re not gummy sharks,” Mr Alexander said.

“I’m very concerned about what it’s going to do to the environment. They all seem to be saying ‘it’s going to be fine’, but Jesus, they’ve stuffed Macquarie Harbour haven’t they?”

Other residents say they don’t know enough about Tassal’s plans to comment yet.

King Island mayor Duncan McFie acknowledged there was “loud opposition” to the proposal, as well as some residents who would welcome salmon farming.

But Cr McFie said a large percentage of residents just want more information.

“We have zero unemployment, virtually zero, it’s not that we need the jobs, but certainly the more you can diversify an economy the greater job security there is,” he said.

“I would want to put some research in so we can [check the facts of] some of this stuff, rather than hypothesise.”

Tassal held its first public meeting on the island a few weeks ago.

Mr Asman said he recog- nised concerns raised by members of the surfing community, and wanted to assure them fish sanctuary pens would not adversely impact swells in surfing locations.

“We understand how quickly concerns can arise in the absence of factual information and we are personally reaching out to surfers who would like more evidence-based research into wave physics associated with salmon farming activity,” Mr Asman said.

“Our pens are purposely designed to allow the energy of the waves to pass through them.

“Ensuring safe operations that have minimal impact on shared waterways is imperative to our company and our people. They live and recreate in these areas too.”

If our brand is tainted through its association with Tassal or any fish farming then our economy could be gutted.” CHARLIE STUBBS