Rosalie Woodruff MP | Greens' Marine Environment spokesperson
Tasmania’s marine environment is at a crossroads, due to the rapid, unchecked expansion of the inshore salmon farming industry. Macquarie Harbour’s dissolved oxygen levels are at the same catastrophically low levels now as they were this time last year.
New Environment Minister, Elise Archer, has the opportunity to step in where her predecessor didn’t and be the fresh start the Tasmanian marine environment needs.
Macquarie Harbour is internationally recognised because it’s like no other place on the planet, and is home to the ancient and endangered Maugean Skate. Under the previous Environment Minister, Matthew Groom, overstocked salmon farming practices led to “dead zones” appearing under leases and the World Heritage values of the basin being damaged.
Ms Archer has waited a long time for a ministerial portfolio and this is her chance to make her mark. Minister Archer’s predecessor did nothing to stop the continued degradation of Macquarie Harbour’s marine life, threatened species and World Heritage values.
Minister Archer has the opportunity, and responsibility, to stand up for Macquarie Harbour and prevent further environmental damage.
All Tasmanians will be watching to see whether Minister Archer will act for the marine environment, or whether she accepts the current destructive status quo.