Community backs tougher scrutiny of fish farms

SEVENTY per cent of Tasmanians want stronger monitoring and regulation of intensive fish farming, according to a new poll.

SEVENTY per cent of Tasmanians want stronger monitoring and regulation of intensive fish farming, according to a new poll.

A ReachTEL poll of 1310 Tasmanians for the Australia Institute showed 70 per cent of people supported the establishment of an independent watchdog on intensive fish farms.

A poll shows support for stronger monitoring of fish farms.

The poll, conducted on August 9 and 10, also showed 60 per cent of people agreed there should be an independent investigation into the impacts of the industry on other aquaculture and tourism ventures and on communities.

Seventy per cent agreed the industry should pay rates to local government.

“This polling shows that Tasmanians have both environmental and regulatory concerns about the boom in high-intensity salmon farming,” said Australia Institute executive director Ben Oquist.

Tasmanian Salmonid Growers Association chief executive officer Adam Main cited another poll that showed 83 per cent of Tasmanians supported the aquaculture industry.

“The TSGA will fully review the report before making any comment on its findings, however an EMRS report conducted in July [which] examined 10 industry segments, found that 83 per cent of Tasmanians supported the aquaculture industry in the state,” he said.

“This again confirms the strong support for our industry and that the industry continues to be seen as a core element of the state’s clean-green brand.”

Dr Main said the association was pleased the Australia Institute had acknowledged the industry’s contribution to the state, with 2090 full-time equivalent jobs and $625.9 million to the Gross State Product.

The State Government has put the handbrake on a proposed Tassal fish farm near Triabunna by seeking in independent assessment of the region’s marine farming zone.