The director of Tasmania’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has dismissed demands for real-time tracking of antibiotic usage by salmon farming companies, citing concerns over legality and accuracy. During a recent budget estimates hearing, EPA director Catherine Murdoch expressed that inquiries from Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff regarding her transparency were an affront to her credibility.
The salmon industry in Tasmania is seeking a new permit for the use of antibiotics after an emergency authorization was previously granted to combat a severe bacterial outbreak that resulted in significant fish fatalities. This emergency permit, issued in November by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), allowed the use of florfenicol, an antibiotic typically utilized in land-based agriculture, marking its first application in Australian waters.
In March, however, the permit was revoked due to concerns about the antibiotic’s potential impact on wild fish populations, following reports of its presence in fish located 14 kilometers from salmon farms. Despite the industry’s interest in obtaining another permit, the total quantity of florfenicol used during the outbreak has not been disclosed by the EPA, as reports are only mandated three months after the conclusion of treatment.
During the committee meeting, Dr. Woodruff pointed out that salmon farming companies already report their antibiotic usage to other regulatory bodies in real time, such as the APVMA and Biosecurity Tasmania. She questioned why the EPA was not privy to these figures, especially since companies track the amount of florfenicol applied to their feed.
In response, Ms. Murdoch raised doubts about the accuracy of the data provided by the companies and maintained that the EPA did not require this information for its operations. She asserted that her commitment to scientific integrity informed her decisions and emphasized that her management of antibiotic monitoring was conducted with the highest standards.
During the previous summer, at least 3,610 kilograms of florfenicol were reported as used across five salmon farms in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, though data for four additional sites remains unavailable. This summer saw approximately 9,000 tons of fish perish, a decrease from 14,000 the previous year when florfenicol was not utilized.
Dr. Woodruff questioned the EPA’s reluctance to utilize a provision within the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act, which allows the director to demand information related to environmental licenses. Ms. Murdoch responded by indicating uncertainty about the legality of disclosing such data, citing various legislative obligations, including anti-competitive laws and Right to Information legislation.
She acknowledged that while salmon companies are required to report their maximum treatment potentials to the EPA, she refrained from disclosing that data, noting variances between reported and actual usage figures. Ms. Murdoch expressed concern that disseminating incorrect information could mislead the public, stating, “If I release numbers that are inaccurate, it undermines the integrity of this critical debate.”
As investigations continue into the salmon industry’s management of the bacterial outbreak, independent MP Peter George raised concerns about accountability and potential penalties for regulatory violations. Ms. Murdoch confirmed that the matter is under investigation, with her legal team preparing to present a comprehensive case to the Director of Public Prosecutions, emphasizing the complexity of the situation and the necessity of due diligence before proceeding with any charges.
