Four dolphins have died in the first half of the year after becoming entangled at salmon farms in southern Tasmania.<\/p>\n
Data released by the Natural Resources and Environment Department shows the deaths occurred at Huon Aquaculture sites in Storm Bay off Trumpeter Bay at North Bruny Island, and the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and Huon River region.<\/p>\n
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The four dolphins were all short-beaked common dolphins. (Supplied: South Coast Cetaceans)<\/p>\n
As first reported in the Tasmanian Inquirer, one dolphin died in March in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, two in Storm Bay in May, and another in June.<\/p>\n
The deaths bring the total number of dolphin deaths at Tasmanian salmon farms to seven.<\/p>\n
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Huon Aquaculture says it has “rigorous standards” to minimise the risk of wildlife interactions. (ABC News: Luke Bowden)<\/p>\n
Company continuing to investigate<\/p>\n
Huon Aquaculture said it is “continuing to investigate” the cause of the deaths and takes its responsibility to protect native wildlife “seriously”.<\/p>\n
RSCPA withdraws certification for Huon salmon<\/a><\/p>\n RSPCA Australia strips its certification from Tasmanian salmon farming giant Huon Aquaculture.<\/p>\n It said it maintains “rigorous standards” across its farming operations to minimise the risk of wildlife interactions, including proactive mitigation measures, continuous monitoring and regular review of environmental management systems.<\/p>\n The company also says it’s investing in solutions to enhance wildlife safety within its marine leases.<\/p>\n In March, RSPCA Australia withdrew its certification from Huon Aquaculture following the release of a video that showed workers putting live fish into bins with dead fish.<\/p>\n In a statement, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) said it had “requested further information from industry to assist in reviewing the circumstances surrounding the dolphin mortalities”.<\/p>\n