By Gill Bikram Singh 
More than a million salmon have died at Tasmanian fish farms due to a bacterial outbreak, leading to their disposal at landfill sites and rendering plants in what authorities have described as an “unprecedented” mass mortality event.
According to reports, over 5,500 tonnes of dead salmon were processed in February alone—equivalent to approximately 1.07 million full-grown Atlantic salmon, representing about 8% of Tasmania’s total annual production. The deaths were attributed to an outbreak of Piscirickettsia salmonis, a bacterium that has been present in Tasmania’s waters since at least 2021. Warmer-than-usual summer water temperatures exacerbated the situation.
This mass mortality has raised concerns about salmon farming practices, especially after weeks of reports of fish remains washing up on beaches in the Huon Valley and Bruny Island. Authorities are still investigating the full extent of the impact, with Environment Protection Authority (EPA) acting chief executive Cindy Ong confirming it as the largest event of its kind.
Animal Welfare Concerns Spark Outrage
The crisis has ignited fresh scrutiny over the treatment of farmed salmon. A video released by the Bob Brown Foundation showed footage of workers allegedly pumping live salmon into a container filled with dead fish, sparking accusations of animal cruelty.
In response, the RSPCA suspended its certification of Huon Aquaculture for 14 days while it conducts a thorough investigation. “The inhumane handling of live, sick, or injured fish as shown in the video is completely unacceptable,” the RSPCA said in a statement.
Campaigners from the Bob Brown Foundation and Neighbours of Fish Farming have called for greater transparency and accountability from the salmon industry, labeling the situation an “animal welfare nightmare.”
EPA Investigation and Industry Response
The EPA has launched a probe into the environmental impact, including reports of congealed fish oil washing up on shorelines. Inspections of facilities processing the dead salmon have also found some non-compliance with regulations, with enforcement actions expected. However, the EPA has yet to disclose the names of the facilities facing penalties.
Meanwhile, Salmon Tasmania CEO Luke Martin confirmed the unprecedented scale of the crisis but reassured the public that the bacterium poses no threat to human health or the broader environment. He apologized for the disruption and promised industry-wide changes to prevent similar events in the future.
Political Fallout and Regulatory Debate
The Tasmanian government has expressed concerns over the situation, with Premier Jeremy Rockliff calling for full transparency from the industry. The crisis has also fueled an ongoing debate over salmon farming practices in Macquarie Harbour, where concerns over the endangered Maugean skate species have led to calls for restrictions on farming expansion.
Federal intervention has added to the controversy, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently backing legislation to ensure the continuation of salmon farming in the region, despite environmental concerns. However, independent Senator Jacqui Lambie has urged authorities to reconsider allowing fish farming in the ecologically sensitive area.
As investigations continue, authorities and industry leaders face mounting pressure to improve salmon farming practices and ensure better environmental and animal welfare protections.