The state government says there is no need for warning signs at boat ramps about the use of antibiotics in salmon farms or advice cautioning against eating wild fish caught nearby, despite calls from a local council for more clarity.
Director of Public Health Dr Mark Veitch has advised recreational fishers to consider avoiding fish caught within three kilometres of salmon pens treated with the antibiotic florfenicol, during treatment and for 21 days afterwards.
Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff said people cannot make informed choices about what fish to eat if they do not know the facts.
Independent Franklin MP Peter George questioned why there are no clear warnings about affected leases and suggested the exclusion zone be expanded to seven kilometres.
Health Minister Bridget Archer told parliament on Wednesday that the advice is precautionary only, so signage is not required.
“There is no requirement for warning signs because it is precautionary advice from the Director of Public Health,” she said.
The Huon Valley Council this week called for signs at boat ramps and popular fishing spots that link to real-time information about which salmon pens are being treated with florfenicol.
“These signs should include a QR code linking to an improved website that provides real-time updates on any impacted fishing areas,” Huon Valley mayor Sally Doyle said.
“Our community deserves easy access to accurate information so they can make informed choices.”
Dr Veitch said in his advisory that there is no evidence of harm to human health from consuming traces of the antibiotic, but people may still choose to avoid it.
“However, it is reasonable to assume that the closer a fisher is to a pen being treated – during and shortly after treatment – the more likely it is they may catch a fish with traces of florfenicol,” he said.
The government says information about florfenicol use is already available on its websites, including the EPA and Department of Health pages.
According to the EPA, Tassal is using florfenicol at its Meads Creek and Stringers Cove leases, while Huon Aquaculture is set to begin a 10-day treatment at its Zuidpool North lease today.
