The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has opened an investigation into how a quantity of biological material washed up on Verona Sands beach last weekend.
Huon Aquaculture Company proactively coordinated initial clean-up efforts around Verona Sands, and the material has been disposed of at an EPA approved facility. Salmon companies will be visiting beaches around the southern channel area this weekend and collecting material that they find.
Samples collected by the EPA have been analysed and interim laboratory results indicate the material to be fish oil, likely derived from the elevated fish mortalities that have been affecting multiple pens at Tasmanian fish farms over recent weeks.
The interim laboratory results on the material do not indicate presence of the antibiotic medicine currently being used to treat a bacterial fish disease that is endemic in Tasmanian coastal waters.
Deceased fish are a controlled waste, which means that sites receiving the material must have approval from either the EPA or local council. The EPA is monitoring the situation at waste management facilities that it regulates. Transporters of the deceased fish must also be registered with the EPA as Controlled Waste Transporters.
Aquatic biosecurity threats should be reported to Biosecurity Tasmania on 1300 368 550.
Emergency Animal Disease Hotline 1800 675 888
ENDS.
For more information, please contact the
EPA Senior Environmental Engagement Officer on 0460 025 410
Published on:
21/02/2025