Protect our waterways from industrial salmon farming

We, the undersigned residents of Tasmania, draw to the House's attention that:

•      Our bays, beaches and waterways are treasured by our community.

•      Industrial fin fish farming companies are currently engaged in plans to further expand salmon farming leases in Tasmania.

•       Fin fish farming is impacting marine and freshwater species, their habitats and also the lifestyle, health and wellbeing of Tasmanians.

•       Pollution and effluent from fish farms are threatening Tasmania's tourism brand and impacting local jobs.

Your petitioners therefore request the House to call on the Government to stop further expansion and permanently withdraw all leases for industrial fin fish farming in Tasmanian waters. This is to:

1.    Ensure our ocean, beaches and rivers are free of fish farm induced ecological harm.

2.    Protect the habitats of endangered and critically endangered species, such as the Maugean skate and red handfish.

3.    Ensure the population of recreational fish stocks in both marine and freshwater environments remain healthy, stable and well managed.

4.    Protect us and our waterways from fin fish industrial operations and debris.