Tasmanian salmon industry faces crisis, one million dead fish

The Tasmanian salmon industry is facing a crisis after reports of a bacterial outbreak that has killed over a million fish. In February alone, more than 5,500 tonnes of dead fish were disposed of in Tasmania. Drone footage has shown dead fish decaying in large nets, while some have washed up on local beaches. Fears about environmental impact and animal welfare are rising. The industry typically responds to outbreaks by adding antibiotics to fish feed. However, this can lead to antibiotics entering the ocean ecosystem where the fish farms are located. Most Atlantic salmon sold in Australia is farmed in Tasmania, with each Australian consuming about two kilograms a year. Critics argue that farmed salmon is not sustainable because they require more feed than they provide when harvested. Moreover, the farming practices contribute to overfishing. To raise one salmon to a market weight of four kilograms, about 147 smaller fish are caught and processed for fish oil or meal. Footage from the Bob Brown Foundation has raised alarm over live salmon being disposed of alongside dead ones, raising questions about humane treatment. The CEO of Salmon Tasmania condemned the disposal processes as not reflecting industry standards. Huon Aquaculture has announced a full investigation. The situation highlights broader concerns about factory farming, where animals are treated as commodities, often leading to suffering and high mortality rates. Experts suggest that consumers should reconsider their purchasing choices to drive change in the industry.