Tasmanian Government to develop new 10-year vision for salmon industry with emphasis on land-based farming.
On Thursday, the Tasmanian state government announced it will place an immediate 12-month halt on offshore salmon farm expansion. The state is set to cease granting new leased areas from January 2023.
According to a report in The Examiner, Primary Industries Minister Guy Barnett announced on Thursday the government would develop a new 10-year plan for the salmon industry over the next 12 months, including investigation of opportunities for land-based fish farming and farming further offshore in Commonwealth waters.
Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Michael Bailey said he was concerned the government’s decision would lead to job losses: “I am also shocked that there appears to be have been no industry consultation on this,” he said.
“In addition, the immediate 12-month moratorium raises disturbing questions about sovereign risk. I look forward to the government providing more detail about this policy change, and explaining their rationale for making it.”
However, Mark Ryan, Chief Executive of Tassal, Australia’s biggest salmon farmer, said he welcomed the new direction for the salmon farming industry.
“We believe the industry doesn’t need more hectares in Tasmanian waters and we are committed to working responsibly within the current salmon footprint,” he said.
“We must always listen, learn and adapt to our environment and our community’s expectations.”
