Tasmania’s Conservation Council Environment Tasmania welcomes the Premier’s announcement of a Marine Environment Tasmania Act and an independent review into the salmon industry.
“Tasmania’s marine environment is world-class but has been declining rapidly in health in recent years due to industrial activities, climate change and invasive species.” says Rebecca Howarth, Senior Marine Campaigner for Environment Tasmania.
“The announcement today from the premier of a Marine Environment Tasmania Act, and the intention to bring the management of Tasmania’s marine environment in line with other states such as NSW and Victoria is very much welcomed.”
“A holistic and whole-of-picture approach which centres around eco-system health has been very much needed, and this takes us with enormous strides in the right direction”.
“Tasmania is an island state where the ocean not only underpins our economy but also is very much a part of our psychology and lifestyle. “
“With giant kelp forests disappearing, invasive species like long-spines sea urchin causing devastation and the threat of a deadly algal bloom like in SA, the community have been expressing concern that we needed to do more in the face of these threats.”
“We thank the premier for listening to the community who have been calling for a Marine Plan and Marine law reform for Tasmania, and we look forward to working together to ensure Tasmania’s marine ecosystems get the priority and protection they need”.