Tasmania experiences largest-ever salmon mortality event, over 5,500 tonnes disposed

In February, Tasmania experienced an unprecedented mass mortality event in its salmon industry, with over 5,500 tonnes of dead fish disposed of, equivalent to approximately 6% of the state's annual production. The deaths were attributed to an endemic bacterium, Piscirickettsia salmonis, exacerbated by warmer water temperatures, leading authorities to label it the largest event of its kind ever recorded. Environmental groups have raised concerns over the treatment of live fish, following footage showing workers at Huon Aquaculture sealing live salmon with dead fish, prompting calls for the RSPCA to review the company's certification. The state Environment Protection Authority is conducting compliance checks on fish farms and waste facilities, investigating potential breaches of environmental regulations. Critics have accused the regulator of responding slowly to the crisis, especially as oily residues from the dead fish have washed up on local beaches. The situation has intensified scrutiny on the salmon farming industry in Tasmania, with potential repercussions for farm operations and environmental protections.