Tasmanian salmon companies have gone through a rapid period of growth that has outpaced regulation and science. Company profits have not led to commensurate growth in returns to the State Government or the community. Meanwhile communities bear the costs of the industry. The fast tracking of the salmon industry needs to end.
Modern marine management considers all activities and sectors using coastal waters concurrently and includes them in integrated planning and management. This is the top recommendation arising from the Parliamentary Inquiry into Fin Fish Farming. Short-term thinking and vested interests are wrecking our coastal waters, and all Tasmanians are paying the price.