Verona Sands Christmas entrails confirmed as farmed salmon by Environment Protection Authority

The Tasmanian Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has today confirmed community concerns over biological material found ashore at Verona Sands on Christmas Day, with analysis confirming the material was dead Atlantic Salmon.

Dozens of chunks of entrails and fat from farmed salmon were first seen by locals, who reported it to the EPA. Media and government statements downplaying the extent of the issue are ignoring the genuine concerns of local residents and conservation groups.

Despite the results, still there has been no explanation from the salmon industry about how these entrails washed up on Verona Sands, from which farm the dead salmon originated, nor any concern from the Environment Minister over potential biosecurity issues, given the use of antibiotics in the area.

NOFF has the utmost respect for scientists and those working to respond to reports and analyse samples.

However, as the EPA's own Reflections and Learnings report on the 2025 mass mortality event revealed, the fragmented response and lack of communication between government, regulators, industry and community has severely eroded public trust.

As the summer waters warm, the community remains on edge. We are grateful to see the EPA is responding to community concerns and investigating incidents in a timely manner.

However, significant questions remain about the adequacy of compliance monitoring and perceived gaps in enforcement and preparedness for another mass mortality event.

"The government and industry regulators are not acknowledging nor addressing the impacts of climate change, warming waters, and high nutrient loading on the salmon industry and Tasmania's marine environments. This is what the community are concerned about" said Neighbours of Fish Farming campaigner Lilly Henley.

"Communities expect timely, transparent and truthful reporting by the EPA, government and major media outlets. Let's be clear here that what we saw on Christmas Day was washed up, dead, farmed salmon," added Henley.

"It's ironic Salmon Tasmania are asking for apologies from those that highlighted that dead salmon were washing up on our beaches again – this confirmation should require an apology from Salmon Tasmania. We await their contrition" said Dan Broun, NOFF Committee.

Contacts:

• Lilly Henley, NOFF Campaigner 0429084434
• Simon Crerar, NOFF Media Team 0466 775 499