Expansion of the ocean-based salmon farming industry into the northwest of Tasmania

Your petitioners draw attention to the House:

We the undersigned are deeply concerned about the proposed expansion of the ocean- based salmon farming industry into the northwest of Tasmania and beyond.

Evidence of serious decline of native fish stocks, degradation of waterways and coastlines, secrecy over operations and public denial of responsibility for major environmental disasters highlight the potential for the salmon industry to be detrimental to the health of the marine and coastal environment of northwest Tasmania.

Impacts on our cultural heritage, our natural and scenic environments, tourism and our commercial and recreational fishing industries and associated employment opportunities will be significant.

Your Petitioners, therefore, call on the government to:

(1) Institute a moratorium on expansion of ocean-based salmon farming in Tasmania.

(2) Develop enforceable regulations designed to protect the health of Tasmanian consumers and the marine environment and establish a scientifically capable, properly funded, regulatory body independent of government and industry.

(3) Develop policy to better integrate ocean and land based aquaculture to minimise negative impact on Tasmania's marine and coastal environment.