Tassal CEO Mark Ryan. (Photo: Tassal)

Tassal’s statements on Macquarie improvements sound unconvincing to authorities

AUSTRALIA
Tuesday, April 25, 2017, 02:40 (GMT + 9)

Tasmanian salmon farmer Tassal states there are data backing its claim that its leases in Macquarie Harbour, Tasmania, have been significantly rehabilitated, which has raised opposing views.

The firm’s representatives ensure that these data are supported by the fact that there was new, clear evidence that two of the company’s leases in the harbour were back to 100 per cent compliance with environmental standards while another lease destocked at the direction of the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) had made a significant recovery, The Mercury reported.

“We are extremely pleased to see the positive environmental results that are coming out of Macquarie Harbour right now,” pointed out the firm’s chief executive officer Mark Ryan.

“It’s been a fantastic recovery there, we were confident Macquarie Harbour would (be) remediated,” the CEO claimed.

Nevertheless, a study by the Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies released in February said dissolved oxygen in the bottom of the harbour was “worryingly low”, with some sediments devoid of fauna and accused Tassal of having done significant damage to the harbour.

Added to that, the harbour is subject to state and federal legal action by Tassal’s main competitor Huon Aquaculture, which is seeking further restrictions on fish farming to protect the environment.

Meanwhile, Environment Tasmania spokeswoman Laura Kelly said while a major turnaround in the environment in Macquarie Harbour would be welcome, it was hard to accept without the relevant evidence.

“Tassal have made a public statement there has been a miraculous recovery in their dead zone without releasing one simple figure — how much more life is alive in their dead zone,” she said.

Besides, Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said the data must be released before the public could have full confidence that the environment in the harbour was improving.

Tassal also called for the establishment of an industry-funded salmon farming watchdog, for policing farming activity across all Tasmanian marine leases.

As a response to this complaint, Primary Industries Minister Jeremy Rockliff said the government had already “strengthened” regulation of the industry by establishing the EPA and introducing tougher penalties for non-compliances.

It must be remembered that Huon aquaculture started legal actions at High and Federal courts against EPA, the Tasmanian government and the federal government of the environment, arguing that the determination taken by EPA in January that Macquire Harbour could store 14,000 tonnes of fish must be deemed invalid. 

Both Tassal and Petuna Seafoods, the other two leaseholders, have joined the proceedings, stressing their support for the EPA.

Related articles:

- Tassal reveals investment plans for its expansion
- Tassal joins legal battle on the Tasmanian govt. side
- Tassal ordered to destock a salmon farming centre
- Huon initiates legal actions against Tasmanian government
- Regulating entity recommends salmon biomass cut in Macquarie Harbour

 
editorial@seafood.media
www.seafood.media

Print