The reverse precautionary principle: science, the environment and the salmon aquaculture industry in Macquarie Harbour, Tasmania, Australia

A marked decline in dissolved oxygen (DO) at depths of 19–21 meters in Macquarie Harbour, Tasmania, between 2009 and 2011 has been linked to fish farming activities. This study reveals that the primary predictor of benthic DO reduction is fish production from marine farms, with other environmental factors such as discharge, rainfall, wind speed, sea surface temperatures, and sea level pressure having no significant effect. The research suggests that adaptive management of fish farming in Macquarie Harbour requires an estuary-wide approach rather than focusing on individual pens. Additionally, the findings underscore the importance of independent scientific research, funded separately from industry and government, to ensure unbiased environmental impact assessments.

Kirkpatrick, J. B., Kriwoken, L. K., & Styger, J. (2017). The reverse precautionary principle: science, the environment and the salmon aquaculture industry in Macquarie Harbour, Tasmania, Australia. Pacific Conservation Biology, 25(1), 26–33. https://doi.org/10.1071/pc17014