Flow-through salmon hatcheries in Tasmania discharge poorly treated wastewater into rivers across the state.  Pollutants include fish faeces and uneaten food, high levels of nutrients, and unknown quantities of antibiotics, hormones, disinfectants and other contaminants. These outdated operations pose a major risk to our rivers and water supplies, causing nuisance and toxic algal blooms. At least 12 of them must urgently be replaced by best practice, fully-recirculating aquaculture systems.

We the undersigned ask the Government to commit to a rapid transition from flow-through to fully recirculating aquaculture systems by no later than 2025. This is an essential action that must be a core element of the 10-year salmon plan, demonstrating a genuine Government commitment to both protecting our water supplies if there is to be a sustainable salmon aquaculture industry.