Position statement: Salmonid Marine Farming
Salmonid Marine Farming Policy Salmon marine farming has significantly developed in Tasmanian waters over the last 30 years and has become a key economic driver for the Tasmanian economy with particular social and community benefits at a regional coastal level. TARFish has, for nearly a decade, been directly involved in providing input into marine farming plan reviews, permits, lease amendments, certification assessments, research projects and providing feedback to marine farmers on the potential impacts of their activities as they relate to the recreational fishing sector. Coupled with the industry growth recreational fishers have seen the corresponding loss of access to many popular areas around the state due to salmonid marine farms. As the industry has commenced a significant expansion phase into new waters outside their current marine farm zones the scope, breadth and potential impacts have created a heightened awareness within the recreational fishing community around the future of the industry and where it sees its operations.
It is not the role of TARFish to support or not support salmonid marine farming, but it is our role to look after the interests of recreational fishers in all matters and that is why we have and will continue to proactively support the interests of recreational fishers through continued advice to industry and the Government in relation to the marine farming industry. The key recreational fishing issues associated with salmonid marine farming relate to:
Loss of access to marine waters which leads to a loss of public amenity
The impact of salmonid marine farming on the marine environment
On water safety of salmonid marine farming infrastructure
The need for an open, transparent and fair aquaculture planning process that considers the needs of recreational fishers