Salmon industry winning the PR war, EMRS polling suggests

The salmon industry claims it is winning the PR war, pointing to polls showing Tasmanians are becoming more favourable of farmed salmon.

The salmon industry claims it is winning the PR war, pointing to polls showing Tasmanians are becoming more favourable of farmed salmon.

The results of the poll were published today by independent company Enterprise Marketing and Research Services, which surveyed Tasmanians in November.

It found that more people viewed the salmon industry as “important” to Tasmania, and fewer people opposing the industry on the grounds of environmental and animal welfare concerns.

Tasmanian Salmon Growers Association spokeswoman Angela Williamson said it was heartening to see their reputation improving despite the vocal opposition of salmon farming critics.

“The polling emphasises that the industry has a great story to tell and that we need to keep telling it,” Ms Williamson said.

“Like us, our detractors need to be held to a level of scrutiny. It’s important the conversation is based on facts, not opinion.”

Primary Industries minister Guy Barnett said these were validating poll results for the salmon industry and the workers whose livelihoods depended on it.

“It was pleasing to see that respondents recognised the importance of the industry to Tasmania, which provides thousands of direct and indirect jobs throughout the state, many in regional communities,” Mr Barnett said.

“As we head into Christmas, we thank the thousands of workers and businesses right across the salmon industry supply chain, and we encourage everyone to enjoy world-class salmon this festive season.”

TSGA Angela Williamson, Biomar David Whyte and THA Steve Old at Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

Shadow minister for Primary Industries Janie Finlay said it was heartening to see the salmon industry’s image improving despite the ongoing work of salmon protesters.

“This polling shows that the industry’s efforts to promote transparency are cutting through and Tasmanians value fact over fiction,” Ms Finlay said.

“The TSGA and their partners are committed to continuing to share information, bust myths and ensure the overwhelming support for the industry across Tasmania isn’t diminished by politically motivated scare tactics.”

However Tasmanian Alliance for Marine Protection president Peter George said he put no faith in this poll, which was commissioned by the Tasmanian Salmon Growers Association.

“TAMP looks forward to viewing the whole poll which, if it repeats earlier polls, will have been carefully constructed as a “push” poll, polishing the irredeemable reputation of a toxic industry that cares nothing for Tasmania,”

“If ever there was a pointless poll, the latest one by Tasmania’s industrial salmon producers is it.”

FISH FIGHT: Michelle Pears and Moira Corby protesting outside the Huon Aquaculture building on Collins St. Picture: Kenji Sato

Action for Coastal Tasmania activist Michelle Pears was flabbergasted to hear the results of the poll.

“They’re obviously living in a land of make believe,” Ms Pears said.

“More and more people are disagreeing with them and saying it’s dreadful what is happening to Tasmania and our environment.”

Ms Pears said she, and most people she knew, were not letting salmon anywhere near their tables this Christmas.

Salmon is still on the table for Tasmanian Hospitality Association CEO Steve Old, who said it was an important dish for the cafe and restaurant sector.

“One of the drawcards for people coming to Tasmania is our world class produce and salmon from the aquaculture industry is no exception,” Mr Old said.

“The importance of the aquaculture industry to the hospitality sector cannot be underestimated and it also creates a huge amount of jobs in our regional areas.”