The Tasmanian Government says new data showing improving oxygen levels in Macquarie Harbour proves the Maugean skate and the salmon industry can “co-exist”.
Environment Protection Authority Director Wes Ford said the report, reviewed by scientists and based on long-term data, reveals a “clear trend” of improvement in the harbour’s middle and deeper waters.
“The dissolved oxygen levels are now close to the range observed prior to 2010, when the levels began to decline,” he said.
Ford said the Macquarie Harbour Oxygenation Project is “unlikely to have had a significant impact” on oxygen levels across the harbour since it has not yet reached its full scale.
“We can expect to see further improvements in future because environmental licence conditions imposed by the EPA on salmon companies require them to either continue to operate oxygenation equipment after the trial concludes, or to reduce their oxygen demand by other means, such as reducing biomass,” he said.
Minister for Parks and Environment Nick Duigan said the data shows the work underway by various agencies is “working”.
“It’s clear that industry and research investment in remediation of dissolved oxygen levels in the harbour, along with EPA regulation of the industry is effective and working,” he said.
“The Tasmanian Government firmly believes that the Maugean Skate and the salmon industry can continue to co-exist.”
A spokesperson for Salmon Tasmania echoed the government’s view.
“We have always said that it is possible to undertake salmonid aquaculture in Macquarie Harbour at the same time as protecting its natural environment, including the Maugean Skate and this is further evidence that the range of actions we are taking to support this are working,” they said.
“Importantly, the data used in the report does not include the major harbour recharge event that occurred in May this year, nor has the Macquarie Harbour re-oxygenation project yet reached full scale.”
Earlier this month, the Bob Brown Foundation again said salmon farms must be removed from the harbour to prevent the extinction of the skate.
“It is completely unacceptable that the Tasmanian and Australian governments are willing to cause a world first extinction of the Maugean skate, to protect the profits of huge, industrial companies,” campaigner Alistair Allan said.
“Wherever you are in the world, if you buy Tasmanian salmon, you are contributing to the extinction of the ancient and unique Maugean Skate.”
