The investigation into what led to biological material making its way onto two beaches in southern
Tasmania is ongoing, with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) undertaking additional
investigative actions this week.
Acting CEO and Director of the EPA, Cindy Ong, said a team of EPA salmon scientists and
investigators are making several lines of enquiry, including potential connections between the
washed-up material and the elevated fish mortalities that have affected multiple pens at Tasmanian
fish farms in recent weeks.
“Pollution incident investigation involves confirming the source or sources, which is not always
straightforward,” Ms Ong said.
“The EPA conducted boat and drone surveillance activities in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel last
Thursday, with further surveillance planned for later this week. We are receiving regular updates
from the salmon companies that operate in the area to ensure that mortality waste is being
managed in accordance with approvals.”
Analysis of the material found on Verona Sands beach on 16 February 2025 was found to be
consistent with fish oil. Results do not indicate presence of the antibiotic medicine that was used
to treat a bacterial fish disease endemic in Tasmanian coastal waters.
“We are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry with the salmon companies, including timelines,
mortality retrieval, waste and disposal movements,” Ms Ong said.
Deceased fish are a controlled waste, and the 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.
“EPA regulators have visited several facilities approved to receive deceased fish this week,” said
Ms Ong.
“As with all our investigations, integrity is paramount, and we are taking a systematic and objective
approach. Further comment on the investigation will be limited until it is concluded,” Ms Ong
said.
Members of the public who discover any oil globules along a shoreline should notify the EPA
pollution hotline 1800 005 171 (free-call number 24-hours a day) or create an online report at EPA's Make a Report page.
Published on:
28/02/2025