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Diving into the science behind salmon farming in Tasmania

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By Milthon Lujan

Australia – IMAS scientists are monitoring and assessing the interactions between salmon aquaculture, the environment and society, with their research informing the management and long-term sustainability of industry.

“Our marine and social scientists and researchers are seeking to better understand the relationship between salmon aquaculture, the environment and society,” said IMAS Associate Professor Jeff Ross, who leads the IMAS Salmon Interactions Team.

And we want our research activities and outcomes to be accessible to all Tasmanians.”

To achieve this, the team has created a website that clearly outlines the interactions between salmon farming and different marine environments, as well as local communities, in Tasmania.

The website covers the aspects of the research and highlights publications and news stories.

One of the most important sections is the team’s Research Insights, which covers a range of key topics and questions about salmon aquaculture. These include: 

– understanding where salmon poo goes

– the impacts to inshore reefs

– the drivers of nuisance algal blooms

– the current health of Macquarie Harbour

– understanding environmental interactions in Storm Bay

– mapping proposed farming zones

– modelling nutrient release from salmon farming operations.

Assoc Prof Jeff Ross said IMAS research continues to make an important contribution to the sustainability of salmon aquaculture in Tasmania.

“Our research is crucial to understanding both the environmental and social interactions of salmon farming, which helps inform government and industry regulation and management,” Assoc Prof Ross said.

“This helps ensure that the right balance between environmental protection, social licence and the sustainable growth of industry is met through best practice.”

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To read about our salmon aquaculture research, head to our Salmon Interactions Team website. 

Source: Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies

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