The Tasmanian Government was warned last weekend that the growing movement against industrial salmon feedlots in coastal waters would spill into the next state elections.
The warning came as more than 100 watercraft and 400 people on the beach gathered for the Join In Salmon Out protest at Coningham Beach and in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel on Saturday, March 18.
Booker Prize winning author Richard Flanagan said if the government failed to listen they would be punished at the polls.
“We need an ICAC to investigate why this industry seems to be above the law and we need new representatives who listen to the people.
“For those politicians who would dismiss this I have just two words: teal wave.”
Many of the watercraft, including sailing boats, fishing vessels, tinnies and kayaks encircled the 25 Tassal Sheppards lease feedlots on the Channel to demand they be removed from the waterway.
Killora Community Association’s Gerard Castles, the lead organiser, said the protest against industrial salmon were getting bigger as plans to expand the industry were being drawn up by the government.
“The message is pretty simple,” Mr Castles said.
“Get out of our water, get on to land or get out of Tasmania.
“It’s a toxic industry.”
A spokesperson from Salmon Tasmania said “Salmon is a uniquely Tasmanian industry creating economic activity upstream and downstream around the state”.
“Thousands of jobs are dependent on salmon farming both directly and indirectly and we are an important part of the economic lifeblood of many regional areas such as the Huon Valley and the Channel in the south, Strahan on the West Coast, the southern region of the East Coast and the north-west Tasmania,” they continued.
“Furthermore, the industry had demonstrated a commitment to sustainability and the environment to ensure the industry’s long-term viability.
“This commitment has led to a global reputation for high-quality and sustainable farming practices, providing Tasmania with a competitive advantage in the international market and global career opportunities for our people and export opportunities for our knowledge, skills, equipment, and innovations.”
People from across the state, including from NWTas for Clean Oceans, Tasman Peninsula Marine Protection, Marine Protection Tasmania (from the East Coast) and numerous groups from the south-east attended the protest.
