Some Tasmanians concerned about salmon industry expansion | 7.30

Summary

The video highlights the expansion of salmon farming in Tasmania, particularly in Storm Bay, and its environmental impact. The industry, valued at $1 billion and employing thousands, faces criticism for its ecological consequences, including nutrient discharge, algal blooms, and fish deaths. Key figures like author Richard Flanagan criticize the industry's destruction of local ecosystems, while industry representatives defend its sustainability efforts. Despite concerns from environmental experts and residents, the Tasmanian government supports the industry's growth, raising questions about the balance between economic development and environmental preservation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tasmania's Storm Bay is the site of one of Australia's most ambitious salmon farming expansions.
• 😀 The Tasmanian salmon industry is worth $1 billion, employing about 2,000 people, but faces environmental criticism.
• 😀 The salmon farming industry is often misunderstood, with misconceptions about its impact on Tasmania's environment.
• 😀 Richard Flanagan, a critic of the salmon industry, accuses it of environmental destruction, citing the disappearance of local wildlife and pollution.
• 😀 Scientists and local residents have raised concerns about the industry's impact on local waterways, including nutrient discharge and algal blooms.
• 😀 Despite environmental concerns, the Tasmanian government supports the salmon industry's growth, aiming to double its value by 2030.
• 😀 Some Tasmanians worry that the expansion of salmon farms could repeat the environmental problems seen in Macquarie Harbour.
• 😀 Environmental consultant Louise Cherry voiced concerns over a lack of scientific backing for proposed expansions and resigned from the review panel.
• 😀 Salmon companies argue that the new expansions in Storm Bay will be environmentally sound, with ongoing studies from CSIRO and other institutions.
• 😀 The Storm Bay expansion is underway, but there are ongoing questions about its environmental impact and monitoring, with instances of increased salmon deaths raised in recent reports.

Q & A

What is the location and significance of Storm Bay in Tasmania?

Storm Bay, located on the eastern side of Bruni Island, is significant as the site of one of the largest salmon farming expansions in Australia's history. It is strategically placed near open ocean, with Antarctica and New Zealand to the east, making it a key location for Tasmania's salmon industry.

What role does salmon farming play in Tasmania's economy?

Salmon farming in Tasmania is a billion-dollar industry, directly employing around 2,000 people. It is a major contributor to the state's economy, benefiting from Tasmania's reputation for clean, green environmental standards.

What environmental concerns are associated with Tasmania's salmon farming industry?

The primary environmental concerns include nutrient discharge, algal blooms, and the overall impact of waste from salmon farms on local waterways. Critics, including environmentalists and local residents, argue that the industry harms marine life and ecosystem health.

What is Richard Flanagan's criticism of the salmon farming industry?

Richard Flanagan criticizes the salmon farming industry for causing environmental destruction. He claims that the industry has led to the disappearance of local marine species, such as crayfish, abalone, and penguins, and is responsible for algae buildup and deteriorating water quality.

How does the Tasmanian salmon industry defend itself against environmental criticism?

Industry representatives, like Steve Percival, argue that the salmon farming industry is often unfairly blamed for environmental issues. They emphasize that many of the negative perceptions are based on misinformation and that the industry is committed to sustainable practices.

What is the industry’s plan for growth by 2030, and what concerns does it raise?

The Tasmanian salmon industry aims to double its value by 2030. While the industry claims this will not lead to a proportional increase in environmental impact, some residents and environmentalists express concern about the expansion and potential environmental harm, particularly after witnessing issues like those at Macquarie Harbour.

What happened at Macquarie Harbour that raised concerns about the salmon farming expansion?

At Macquarie Harbour, a large-scale fish farming expansion led to significant water quality deterioration, disease outbreaks, and the deaths of over a million fish. These events have raised concerns about similar issues arising from the planned expansion in Storm Bay.

What are some of the challenges faced in the approval process for the Storm Bay expansion?

One of the main challenges in the approval process for Storm Bay’s expansion was the lack of a completed biogeochemical model to assess the environmental impact of nutrient discharge. Despite concerns raised by experts, the expansion was approved without full scientific backing.

What actions did Louise Cherry and Barbara Novak take in response to their concerns about the Storm Bay expansion?

Louise Cherry and Barbara Novak, both environmental experts, raised concerns about the lack of sufficient scientific evidence and the rushed approval process for the Storm Bay expansion. Frustrated by the lack of progress, they both resigned from the review panel.

How does the Tasmanian government justify its support for the salmon farming industry?

The Tasmanian government supports the salmon farming industry’s expansion plans by commissioning reviews and ensuring that developments undergo full consultation. Government officials, like Minister Guy Barnett, assure that any expansions will be subject to environmental monitoring and regulatory approval.