‘Chunks’ of congealed fish oil from dead salmon washing up on southern Tasmanian beaches have tested positive for low levels of antibiotics, but officials say there’s no risk to humans.
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has confirmed traces of oxytetracycline (OTC) in the oily substance found on several beaches, including Verona Sands, Randalls Bay, Roaring Bay, Drip Beach and parts of South Bruny Island.
Laboratory testing of two samples found small traces of the antibiotic used by Huon Aquaculture to treat some fish following veterinary advice during the outbreak.
The EPA is continuing to investigate whether any environmental licence conditions have been breached.
The discovery comes after an “unprecedented” mass fish death in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, linked to an outbreak of Piscirickettsia salmonis, a bacterium affecting Tasmania’s salmon farms.
Around 5,500 tonnes of dead salmon and waste were disposed of at waste facilities in February alone.
Huon Aquaculture’s Hannah Gray said strict waiting periods between antibiotic treatments and harvesting ensure no antibiotic residue remains in commercially sold salmon.
“Importantly, only two samples of fish oil were found to contain minute traces of antibiotic, including a sample from Verona Sands that was self-reported by Huon,” she said.
“In line with the EPA’s statement and according to independent veterinarian advice, you would need to eat 50kg of this oily material in order to consume the equivalent of one antibiotic tablet.”
“Huon salmon remains safe to eat and is of the highest quality.”
The EPA said people should not handle or consume any washed-up salmon waste material and wash it off with soap and water if they do come into contact with it.
