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NOFF queries Tas Gov on new antibiotic application, and seal management practices; invites Murray Watt for a chat
29/08/2025
Recently NOFF has written to Tasmanian Government authorities about the salmon industry urgently requesting to use another antibiotic, about how wildlife interactions are handled, and we've also asked Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt to meet with all of us.
Yet another antibiotic in our waterways and food?
Friday, 29th August 2025
Deborah McSweyn, Deputy Veterinary Officer, Tasmanian Government, Hobart
Dear Ms McSweyn, Attn Kevin deWitte,
I am writing on behalf of Neighbours of Fish Farming and the residents living along Tasmania's inshore waterways where the salmon farming industry operates.
After the disastrous events of last summer in the South Eastern region, we are concerned about the application for the emergency permit to use the antibiotic Florfenicol in leases infected with Rickettsia salmonis.
We understand that you briefed the newly-elected cross bench of the Tasmanian Parliament recently, and would appreciate some information which is so pertinent to the communities living in southern Tasmania.
We understand that the cross bench was briefed that the vaccine for Rikketsia salmonis
administered to the salmon before they are moved into the marine pens is only effective for a period of 12 months. After this, any disease resulting from the bacteria will need to be treated with antibiotics. Can you confirm that this is true, and clarify whether this is a state-wide protocol in every marine farming biosecurity region?
Also, exactly when was the antibiotic Florfenicol first raised as an option in discussion between Industry and the CVO since the events of last summer? Was there a delay in applying for a full registration permit for the Florfenicol earlier in the year? According to ABC reporting conversations have been had with government since February.
It is concerning that only now, in August 2025, an emergency permit is being applied for through the AVPMA with your support. Our understanding is that a full registration permit would deliver more stringent environmental protocols—in line with the public call for increased regulation and oversight by governing bodies, including baseline flora and fauna studies, before the introduction of the drug into the ecosystem.
Its our understanding that the AVPMA, in order to issue an emergency permit, must establish that there is a genuine emergency under way. Can you confirm that this is the case, as there have been conflicting reports in the media as to the urgency and development of the situation regarding disease due to the Rickettsia salmonis bacteria at this stage.
I look forward to receiving your response.
Sincerely,
Jessica Coughlan, Campaigner, Neighbours of Fish Farming
Recent seal death, and proposed wildlife interaction standards
Friday 29 August 2025
Alexa Wolfs, Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, Hobart
Dear Ms Wolfs,
I am writing on behalf of Neighbours of Fish Farming and our supporter base who are residents living along the coast of Tasmania's inshore waterways where the salmon farming industry operates. I understand that you were involved in the government response to the seal that drowned in June after being sedated multiple times by staff at Tassal's West of Wedge Lease.
I am hoping that you can provide me with up- to- date information about seal management protocols.
The Salmon Industry Plan, published after public consultation in 2023, states on page 5: "Improved management of wildlife interactions. Through implementation of new wildlife interaction standards that address potential interactions that occur with a range of marine wildlife species (including seals) with measures to minimise risk to the health and safety of animals and farmworkers. As an interim measure, an updated Seal Management Framework and Minimum Requirements will be developed."
I am hoping you can tell me if the new wildlife interaction standards have been published, or at what stage of development they are in? Also, whether the use of sedatives is considered by the Tasmanian regulator to be in line with best practice of marine mammal interaction on species protected under the EPBC Act?
I look forward to receiving your response.
Sincerely,
Jessica Coughlan, Campaigner, Neighbours of Fish Farming
And we ask Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt to meet with us
28 August 2025
The Honourable Minister Murray Watt, Australian Govt Parliamentary Offices, Parliament House Canberra
Dear Minister Watt,
We are writing on behalf of the growing number of Tasmanians who are extremely concerned about the influence that the foreign-owned salmon industry has over our State politicians, and question your decision as the Federal Environment Minister to allow the continuation of salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour without the need for an assessment under the EPBC Act.
You will have heard about the outcome of the Tasmanian state election and seen the rise of independent candidates' votes who stood for election on platforms of opposition to open-net salmon farming, protection of the environment, and integrity.
When you were charged with the Environment portfolio you stated that the industry needs to "lift its game on sustainability".
Many tax-paying Australians would agree that the industry should be paying for the oxygenation trials in Macquarie Harbour and any ongoing rehabilitation actions—NOT the current arrangement with 28million taxpayers' dollars, or the further $18.3million to subsidise the industry's "oxygen improvement" costs. This does not equate to the industry "lifting its game", but rather, the tax payers of Australia.
Neighbours of Fish Farming represents a vast support base across the island, and reinforces the polling results that 7 in 10 Tasmanians agree with Recommendation 3 of the Legislative Council's Fin Fish Inquiry Report 2022: "To develop a plan, in consultation with industry, scientific and community stakeholders, to reduce inshore fin fish farming sites, with priority given to ceasing operations in sensitive, sheltered and biodiverse areas."
Of all salmon farming sites in Tasmania, this recommendation most encompasses Macquarie Harbour.
We are aware that you have met with communities on the West Coast and the electorate of Braddon, and we invite you to meet the communities in Franklin— noting that while the Franklin electorate retains the highest numbers for employment in the salmon industry, it also is home to the largest opposition. Here, industry operates near to our homes, polluting our local waterways. During times of disease outbreaks, and the industry's extensive use of anti-biotics prevents the communities' use and enjoyment of our most-loved and treasured places.
Neighbours of Fish Farming would like the opportunity to speak with you in person, as the Federal Minister for Fisheries, and member for Franklin, Julie Collins, has so far refused. While her seat was retained, with a reduced majority, at the last election, it can by no means be considered safe in the future.
Sincerely,
Jess Coughlan, Campaigner, Neighbours of Fish Farming