Hundreds of people opposed to the salmon industry have gathered on the Tasmanian beach where mysterious chunks of fish waste first washed up.
An estimated crowd of 2,000 took to Verona Sands Beach on Sunday to protest the mass salmon mortality event that has polluted several beaches in the Huon and Channel areas.
The rally was organised by the Neighbours of Fish Farming (NOFF) group, which continues to call for the industry to be shut down in the state’s waters.
“More and more Tasmanians are saying no to foreign-owned corporations who put greed and profits over environment, animal welfare and communities,” the group said.
NOFF campaigner Jess Coughlan said coastal communities are “absolutely reeling” over the “blatant disregard for their concerns and the mishandling of this crisis”.
NOFF acting president Lisa Litjens said it was “time to vote salmon out”.
But Premier Jeremy Rockliff says the industry still has a “strong social licence” despite recent fish deaths caused by a bacterial outbreak.
“Over the course of the last decade, the social licence for salmon has been built upon because of not only the employment of the industry, but also the very strict regulations and monitoring that now occurs at an independent level,” he said.
“My view is that the great majority of Tasmanians support the salmon industry, just like the great majority of Tasmanians support our farms, support our fishes, support our miners and support our foresters.”
“Most Tasmanians know and appreciate that you have to have a strong primary industry and resource-based sector, which those funds flow throughout the community.”
