Hundreds of people gathered at Carlton Beach in Tasmania’s south today to protest the proposed expansion of commercial salmon farming in Storm Bay.
Organisers say more than 1,400 locals, almost all dressed in red, linked arms to form a human ‘line in the sand’ along much of the 2.7km stretch of beach on Saturday.
The colour red was chosen in honour of the critically endangered red handfish, which protesters say could be at risk from pollution caused by fish farming.
According to scientists at the University of Tasmania’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, the rare handfish is found in just two small patches of rocky reef in Frederick Henry Bay.
Marine campaigner Alistair Allan said the “entire Dodges community” was out “rallying against the threat of toxic fish farms expanding into Storm Bay”.
“The huge numbers behind us show just how much this electorate and Tasmanians don’t want fish farms in Storm Bay,” he said.
Protesters also signed a petition that will soon be delivered to Parliament, calling for a halt to the expansion of salmon pens and the permanent withdrawal of all leases.
The industry was quick to push back against the action.
Salmon Tasmania CEO Luke Martin said there are no fish farms being proposed for Frederick Henry Bay “or within cooee of Dodges Ferry and the Southern Beaches’ communities”.
“Nor is there any evidence of any fish farming occurring within proximity of known habitats of the red hand fish,” he said.
“Any future expansion of aquaculture in Storm Bay will only occur in high energy, open waters identified as highly suitable for aquaculture by independent scientists and following extensive public approval processes.”
“If any growth does occur it means more job opportunities for young Tasmanians living in our regional communities and more healthy Australian grown seafood on our dinner tables.”
