Protest grows over Tasmanian salmon farm
OPPOSITION is growing to a proposed salmon farm in Okehampton Bay on Tasmania’s east coast, with an online petition attracting almost 1,000 signatures, the Mercury reported
Tassal plans to install 28 new pens holding 800,000 fish at Okehampton Bay near Triabunna within two years.
Marine Protection Tasmania president and Orford resident Grant Robinson said the installation of the pens next to World Heritage listed Maria Island National Park would hurt tourist businesses.
But Primary Industries and Water Minister Jeremy Rockliff said research and monitoring would manage water quality and emissions at the site.
‘Once farming commences at Okehampton Bay the sediment under cages and outside the lease area will be monitored,’ he said.
Glamorgan Spring Bay Mayor Michael Kent has said a fish farm planned for Triabunna would create 15 to 20 jobs.
The fish farming industry is worth $500 million a year and employs 1,600 Tasmanians. THE government of Western Australia is investing $3.6 million in aquaculture projects as part of a larger investment in other industries to maximise natural advantages in the area.
A multi-species hatchery will be established in Albany with a $2.3 million investment over the next four years.
A further $1.3 million will be invested in the next two years to develop new aquaculture YonesH the government revealed in its state budget report for 2016I2017.