Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP | Greens Environment and Biodiversity spokesperson
The Greens stand with the residents of the Tasman Peninsula defending their waterways. We applaud Bob Brown Foundation for their attempt at preventing salmon being returned to 16 empty fish farm pens in Long Bay.
Evidence of the terrible environmental damage caused by Tassal’s escalating industrial fish farming in Long Bay is nothing short of indefensible.
It’s been years since Tassal said they would leave inshore waters. The government have done nothing - of course – and it’s up to civil society to step in.
Long Bay is a clear example of how the Environment Protection Authority is failing to protect Tasmania’s precious marine ecosystems. Once again, they have instead protected the commercial interests of massive industrial fish farm operators.
Given the track record of the international corporates taking over Tasmania’s fish farming companies, the huge environmental, social, and economic risks associated with this industry have increased even further. Yet the Liberals continues to sit on their hands, and won’t take the necessary steps to protect this beautiful island’s unique waterways.
It’s well past time industrial fish farming got out of inshore waters. The Greens stand with coastal communities, and will continue to fight for this crucial change on behalf of Tasmania’s environment.