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The future of Tasmania’s vital salmon farming is under threat as the federal government works to protect endangered species in Macquarie Harbour.
There are growing fears thousands of jobs could be cut if the government decides to reduce the state’s largest aquaculture export.
The $1.3 billion industry is also the main supplier for salmon across Australia.
A scientific committee issued a warning several endangered species were heading towards extinction which subsequently prompted Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to announce a $2.1 billion captive breeding program.
Tasmania Shadow Environment Minister Jonathon Duniam has criticised Ms Plibersek for not giving the industry in Macquarie Harbour a guarantee it will continue and also accused her of navigating “politics rather than science and the economy”.
