Dutton backs salmon farmers amid water quality woes.

Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton defended salmon farming in Tasmania's Macquarie Harbour despite concerns over water quality and the endangered Maugean skate species. Dutton stated that pausing or halting the industry could harm local communities and potentially result in imports of farmed fish with less environmentally friendly standards. In response, environmental groups argue that salmon farming is negatively impacting the Maugean skate population, with numbers as low as 1,000 remaining. Salmon Tasmania plans to trial mechanically oxygenating water to address concerns, but Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek believes this alone will not thoroughly address water quality issues and that reducing salmon loads will also be important.

January 28, 2024
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