New Study green lights North Tas (inc. Sisters Beach and Rocky Cape) for Salmon Farming
At its last meeting, SBCA members discussed the issue of Atlantic Salmon Farming with members voicing concern about the industry as well as reports of plans to expand the industry into the north west coast.
On Friday 21 Jan 2022, a study initiated by the State Government to identify new areas for potential future expansion of salmon farming in Tasmanian State waters was released.
The study was developed to help inform Government policy and decisions about salmon farming future planning. Such as informing any potential revisions of the map of ‘grow’ and ‘no grow’ zones.
“A new study out today has found that offshore waters along our south east and north coasts are the best locations for the potential expansion of Tasmania’s salmon aquaculture industry.
The research considered biophysical suitability alongside other marine uses and ecological values, finding that most opportunities for salmon aquaculture generally reside in deeper offshore waters along Tasmania’s coast.
IMAS, in collaboration with University of Tasmania and the Tasmanian Government, conducted the study to help government understand the potential growth opportunities of salmon farming in Tasmanian waters.”
Stage 1 of the study identified areas for further research. North Tasmania was one of 2 areas chosen for its high biophysical suitability (water temp, water depth, wave height and speed).
Stage 2 of the study then focused on those 2 areas, taking into account things like rocky reefs and natural values, commercial and rec fisheries, infrastructure such as boat ramps and pipelines, distance from houses and high human use.
They included 4 scenarios in their study (you can see mapping for each scenario in the report pages 51-57).
The synthesis of all 4 scenarios can be seen below.
Unfortunately…they have rated the waters off Sisters Beach and Rocky Cape as ‘highly suitable’ for finfish aquaculture (salmon farming) in all four scenarios.
Notes from first reading:
The study is of potential areas in State governed waters (within 3 nautical miles from the coast - see black line in map above)
The term 'Off-Shore' in this study refers to water depth of >10 meters
The study admits it has many data limitations on the north coast and has not taken aboriginal heritage into account (Key Research gaps are listed on page 62 of the report)
In addition to this, we should also be aware that in September 2021, the State and Federal Government's signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to Support the Implementation of the National Aquaculture Strategy Enabling Aquaculture in Adjoining Commonwealth Waters (outside the black line in map above)
SBCA are awaiting further analysis of the study by the Tasmanian Alliance for Marine Protection (TAMP) and will report this to the SBCA members via email (please make sure you are a signed up member).
Something for us to keep a close eye on!