Surfers want salmon kept out of King Island break

SURFERS from across Australia are protesting the development of a salmon farm near a much-loved surf break on King Island.

The Tasmanian government has changed the environmental regulatory framework for finfish farming in that state, which includes issuing a permit to create a farm near Martha Lavinia Beach.

There have been several concerns expressed about the plan, including:

• Reduction in the strength of south swells and their ability to bend around the island into Martha Lavinia on the north coast
• The surrounding beaches could be inundated with untreated fish faeces and excess fish feed pellets, and
• Risk to vulnerable and endangered species in the surrounding area.

Coastal environmental group Surfrider Foundation Australia has added Martha Lavinia Beach to the top of its “Endangered Waves” list, and has set up a petition and a Facebook page dedicated to saving the beach.

“While I sympathise with the salmon eaters of the world who love to enjoy their salmon at a reasonable price, I ask you, should that price lead to the ruin of a great surf spot?” Surfrider Foundation Australia national chair Susie Crick said.

“From what I’ve read, salmon farming is a dirty process that may have detrimental effects on the King Island marine habitat.”

A number of high-profile surfers have also spoken in support of the campaign, including Tom Carroll and Barton Lynch.

“It was so long ago that I visited King Island, I don’t even know how long ago it was, but it’s gotta be more than 20 years, and I remember being so touched by how beautiful, rich and raw the place was,” Lynch said.

“The fact that somewhere still exists that has changed less than almost everywhere and is known for its natural wealth and beauty is so important and valuable to us all.”

The surfing community is calling for the waters of King Island to be excluded from the Tasmanian government’s salmon farming “grow zones”.