Tasmanian Labor’s support for salmon industry could put it on collision course with federal colleagues

Tasmanian Labor has voiced its unequivocal support for the salmon industry amid an ongoing fight to save the endangered Maugean skate, which could put it in an awkward position with federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek.

Maugean skate, an endangered species photographed in Macquarie Harbour.

Tasmanian Labor has backed the salmon industry amid a controversial review of its operations in Macquarie Harbour, as federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek seeks to determine whether aquaculture is to blame for the decline of the endangered Maugean skate.

Labor primary industries and water spokeswoman Janie Finlay has voiced the Opposition’s full-throated support for the salmon companies, which could put state Labor on a collision course with the federal ALP if Ms Plibersek ultimately decides that the industry doesn’t have the required environmental approvals to continue operating in the harbour.

The minister announced on Thursday that the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water would soon begin a consultation process regarding salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour, as concerns mount over dwindling skate numbers in the species’ last known habitat.

Labor MP Janie Finlay. Picture: Richard Jupe

It comes after the Australia Institute, the Bob Brown Foundation and the Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) all requested that the government review whether the industry had the necessary environmental approvals to operate in the area.

The groups argue the skate is being killed off as a result of salmon farming. There are believed to be fewer than 1000 of the skates left in the wild.

Aquaculture, gillnet fishing, climate change and inflows from Hydro Tasmania power stations have been blamed for reduced oxygen levels in the harbour, which is the key factor behind the skate’s decline.

Ms Finlay said it was “clear that there are many factors at play when it comes to the skate population” and that she was “confident this review will shine a light on this”.

“Salmon farming is vitally important to Tasmania and there is no reason why this industry, the jobs it creates and the environment within which it operates and the skate can’t all coexist,” she said.

“The salmon industry has acted quickly to start an oxygenation project in Macquarie Harbour. Other industries, who also use the harbour, are still [yet] to take action.”

Tassal salmon pens, in Macquarie Harbour, Strahan, West Coast of Tasmania. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

EDO managing lawyer Kirstiana Ward said a 2012 decision to permit the expansion of salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour contained conditions to protect the Maugean skate but the decline of the species over the years suggested these conditions were insufficient.

“It is appropriate for Minister Pibersek to use her power under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act to reconsider the 2012 decision to provide effective protections under federal laws to prevent extinction,” Ms Ward said.

Salmon Tasmania CEO Luke Martin said the industry was confident that “the science, contemporary operating procedures and regulatory oversight by the [Environment Protection Authority] will provide the evidence needed to ensure the industry can continue in the harbour for many years to come”.

Originally published as Tasmanian Labor’s support for salmon industry could put it on collision course with federal colleagues