Claims undisclosed maps reveal massive aquaculture expansion plan

Groups are claiming the existence of maps showing possible aquaculture industry expansion into current “no grow” zones, but the industry has hit back at the “grand conspiracy”.

THE Tasmanian Alliance for Marine Protection and author Richard Flanagan and are claiming there are undisclosed maps that show a possible expansion for the aquaculture sector, including potentially into areas currently designated “no grow” zones.

But an industry representative said there is no “grand conspiracy” and there are no plans to expand into such areas.

TAMP co-chair Peter George said the maps outlined two scenarios, one for current suitability and the other for future development as technologies evolve.

He said the maps showed the areas deemed suitable for the industry included the entire North Coast, east of King Island, all the water surrounding the Furneaux Islands and the East Coast from Cape Portland to Storm Bay and South East Cape.

“Even some areas of the rugged West Coast are designated as suitable for future technology,” he said.

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Tasmanian Alliance for Marine Protection co-chair Peter George.

Mr George said the maps were compiled by the government and industry representatives in response to the claims the government’s original “grow” and “no grow” zones were drawn up without consultation with Tassal, Huon Aquaculture or Petuna.

Tasmanian Salmonid Growers Association spokesman Julian Amos said the government was in the process of working on a new map.

“The government has been looking at spatial mapping and spatial planning, but that does not mean it will be subject to further expansion,” he said.

“I have no knowledge whatsoever of any company wanting to expand further than what’s already out there.”

Tassal salmon pens in Macquarie Harbour, Strahan. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

He said any future expansion would be subject to proper assessments of the area.

“There’s no secrecy on the part of industry, no secrecy on the part of government. People are talking about it like it’s a grand conspiracy, but that’s not the case,” Mr Amos said.

A government spokeswoman said the government was supportive of the industry.

“Any future growth in Tasmania’s salmon industry will be subject to robust statutory planning and environmental approval processes and suggestions from anti-salmon activists of unfettered expansion are simply false.”

Mr Flanagan first spoke of the existence of the maps at the first of two public meeting in the state’s North-West over the weekend organised by the group NWTas for Clean Oceans, with about 200 people attending both.

The group is calling for a moratorium on the expansion of ocean-based salmon farming, stricter regulations, and a transition to land-based salmon farming.