Australia's Salmon Farming Approvals in Tasmania Challenged

0:00On this March 4th in Sydney, here's what is making headlines. New documents reveal that Australia's Federal Environment Department urged the revocation of salmon farming approvals in Tasmania's McCory Harbor. Last January, the advice centered on the industry's severe impact on the endangered majean skate, the only known population of which lives in that harbor alongside, nearly 9,500 tons of farm salmon each year. Conservation groups had pushed then-environment minister Tanya Pliberseck to revisit a 2012 expansion decision arguing it harmed the skate. Through poor water quality and low oxygen levels blamed largely on aquaculture. Green organizations like the Bob Brown Foundation slammed the government for ignoring expert advice and risking species extinction for political reasons ahead of last year's federal election. Instead of revoking approvals, the labor government passed new laws in March that eliminated the need for reconsideration, with support from the coalition.

1:03Environment minister Murray Watt then approved ongoing salmon farming there in August, a move now facing a federal court challenge from. Environmentalists, while the government stresses balancing industry jobs with protection, this episode is brought to you in partnership with our sponsor. You know what is better than earbuds in bed? No earbuds at all. S-O-L-I-SoliPillow.com