At least 1 million salmon died at fish farms in Tasmania due to a bacterial outbreak in February, with the waste from the dead fish disposed of at landfill sites and rendering plants. The scale of the event, which involved over 5,500 tonnes of salmon, or about 8% of the state’s total annual production, is described as “unprecedented” by authorities and the industry. The deaths were primarily caused by an endemic bacterium known as Piscirickettsia salmonis, and the high summer temperatures exacerbated the situation.

Environmental and conservation groups have criticized the practices of fish farms, particularly those operated by Huon Aquaculture and Tassal, alleging that the industry is an “animal welfare nightmare” with negative impacts on the environment, including effects on the endangered Maugean skate. The Bob Brown Foundation and other groups have called for the RSPCA to revoke the certification of Huon Aquaculture due to concerns over the treatment of live and dead fish.

Fish farm operators have stated that this event is the largest of its kind and have promised to conduct a full investigation into the incidents. Salmon Tasmania also confirmed that the bacterium is not a risk to human health or the environment.

The political landscape surrounding the salmon industry in Tasmania is intense, with debates over the industry’s impact on the environment, particularly in Macquarie Harbour, where the Maugean skate is endangered. The industry faces pressure from multiple sides, including conservationists and politicians, with differing views on how to ensure sustainability and protect the marine environment.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/08/million-salmon-dumped-in-landfill-after-unprecedented-mass-death-of-at-tasmanian-fish-farms-ntwnfb