Salmon farm in Macquarie Harbour. (Photo: M. Murphy)
Tassal to trial waste collection system in Macquarie
AUSTRALIA
Friday, May 05, 2017, 23:20 (GMT + 9)
Tasmania’s Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has drafted a new salmon biomass limit at Macquarie Harbour but producers could still be allowed to exceed this cap if the waste collection systems are approved, which will be tested by Tassal.
EPA’s director Wes Ford announced that the total biomass should be reduced from 14,000 to 12,000 tonnes in the harbour from June 1 for at least a year, ABC reported.
"The results are concerning to me as they show the harbour is under a level of stress that may not be sustainable in the longer term if current production levels exceed or are maintained at 14,000 tonnes," Ford said in a draft management plan based on recent environmental data.
However, many representatives complain that companies can exceed the new limit if an approved waste collection system is installed under fish cages. This system would be the first of its kind worldwide, and will be trialled by Tassal at a cost of about AUD 500,000, before being rolled out across all overstocked pens.
EPA director Wes Ford said if Tassal did not adopt the waste management system it would have to remove an extra 4,000 tonnes of fish, because it would exceed the limit.
"In economic terms that is more than AUD 60 million of fish that is currently in the harbour that had I not allowed them to grow through it would obviously impact on the economy of the state, the economy of the west coast and the community," he said.
Meanwhile, Tassal’s representatives pointed out the firm respected the EPA's decision which balanced "environmental, economic and social needs of the Strahan and wider Tasmanian community".
And, it has agreed to install waste capture liners under pens to further minimise environmental impacts in the harbour.
However, Environment Tasmania strategy director Laura Kelly said she was “alarmed” by the decision, stating that there was no evidence that the fish waste collection system would work.
"This should not be allowed to progress as a so-called trial until there is an environmental impact assessment. There is absolutely no evidence to suggest that faecal mounds on top of a tarp will be any less damaging to oxygen levels in the harbour than faecal mounds on the sea floor,” Kelly claimed.
On the other hand, The EPA is also considering moving to tighten environmental management in the harbor by introducing a lease-by-lease system, which was welcomed by salmon producer Petuna.
“By seeking to move towards a lease-based management framework, a model Petuna has supported for some time, [Mr Ford] is ensuring each company is held accountable for their individual operations,” the firm’s representatives stressed..
For his part, Primary Industries Minister Jeremy Rockliff said the determination proved the system was working.
“We are confident our toughened changes to the regulatory framework and the independent oversight provided by the EPA will ensure this world-class industry remains sustainable, responsible and accountable,” Rockliff concluded.
Related articles:
- Opposers join forces to halt Tassal’s plans
- Tassal’s statements on Macquarie improvements sound unconvincing to authorities
- Superannuation fund gets rid of Tassal's shares
- Tassal reveals investment plans for its expansion
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