Submission to the Senate Environment and Communications References Committee Inquiry into Fin-fish Aquaculture in Tasmania

This submission comprehensively reviews research undertaken by the University of Tasmania’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) and its predecessors, commonly in collaboration with other organisations, over the last 20 years. This research has significantly contributed to knowledge of the environmental impacts and interactions of finfish aquaculture in Tasmania, and provides independent advice and understanding to support decisions regarding the management and regulation of the salmonid farming industry. To date IMAS researchers have played key roles in both identifying and responding to “knowledge gaps” and will continue to do so in the future. Summarised below are the key elements for each term of reference (TOR):

(a) the adequacy and availability of data on waterway health: Whether data currently available are adequate depends on the particular issue, as waterway health is a broad term. We focus on the adequacy of data vis-à-vis specific issues as they have arisen; considerable data are available through IMAS. Initially, local scale benthic impacts were the focus, and research was integral to developing management controls. Concern then shifted to broadscale effects of dissolved wastes because research suggested farming in the Huon River/D’Entrecasteaux Channel region was approaching capacity. A limit on further development was imposed, and a Broadscale Environmental Monitoring Program (BEMP) initiated that has since been highlighted as world’s best practice. Concern now focuses on potentially adverse interactions between marine farming and reefs, and on declines in oxygen in Macquarie Harbour. IMAS is currently providing research advice on these issues as part of the adaptive management process.

(b) the impact on waterway health, including to threatened and endangered species: Initial research characterised local scale impacts of finfish farms and highlighted that these could be managed within acceptable guidelines. Emphasis then changed to broad scale interactions, and research to date suggests that water-column impacts can be managed. Interactions with threatened and endangered species have largely been addressed through zone assessments and appropriate site selection. In Macquarie Harbour, interactions with the endangered Maugean Skate are now being assessed..

(c) the adequacy of current environmental planning and regulatory mechanisms, and (d) the interaction of state and federal laws and regulation: Tasmania has specific systems in place addressing regulation and management of finfish aquaculture. The regulatory context needs to be responsive to change. The current governance systems were formulated in the industry’s start-up phase, and these systems will be reviewed and researched in the context of the current industry.

(e) the economic impacts and employment profile of the industry: Most data relating to economic impacts of marine finfish farming in Tasmania have been collected by industry.

(f) any other relevant matters: Wider issues include IMAS research capability, climate change, food security, and options for expansion of the finfish aquaculture industry. IMAS has provided research support to industry and government on other developing issues to contribute to sustainability of the industry now and into the future. Relevant IMAS research capabilities are significant and will be enhanced with the new experimental aquaculture facility. Broad expertise in IMAS means that research support can come from a wide range of disciplines and perspectives