Appalling: 2.7 Tonnes of Florfenicol Used at Just One Lease

NOFF Media Release

Neighbours of Fish Farming, representing hundreds of southern Tasmanian locals, is horrified by the 2.7 tonnes of antibiotics Huon Aquaculture used in its Zuidpool lease in the D'Entrecasteaux Channel.

The Environment Protection Authority says more than 2.7 tonnes of the antibiotic florfenicol were used at Huon's Zuidpool salmon farm lease in just two months. Details on how much of the antibiotic has entered public waterways from the eight other salmon leases this summer before its licence was revoked has not yet been released to the public.

Salmon Tasmania's chief, John Whittington, claims that the use of florfenicol, improved vaccinations, selective breeding and careful husbandry have combined to produce a successful summer for the industry's overseas owners.

"We don't believe any of it," said NOFF Vice President Lisa Litjens.

"If a cooler summer, combined with Dr Whittington's magic solutions, resulted in 9,000 tonnes of dead salmon in three months, the closure of a rock lobster industry and the unhelpful suggestion that recreational fishers should fish somewhere else, then it's time the salmon feedlots were closed."

"Southern Tasmanians are fed up with the constant noise and light pollution keeping them awake at night. And they are angry at the total disregard for rivers and channels, previously teeming with life, that are now teeming with florfenicol."