Antibiotics in our rivers? It’s a shocking reality that has sparked a heated debate in Tasmania. Huon Aquaculture has confirmed the use of antibiotics in its salmon hatchery on the River Derwent, raising concerns about transparency and public health. But here’s where it gets controversial: while coastal marine fish farms face strict rules for antibiotic use, freshwater facilities like the Meadowbank hatchery operate with no disclosure requirements. Why the double standard? And this is the part most people miss: the antibiotic in question, oxytetracycline, is classified by the World Health Organization as a 'highly important antimicrobial,' yet its overuse could fuel the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance—a global health crisis in the making.
The issue came to light after a report by the Tasmanian Inquirer revealed that Huon Aquaculture had used oxytetracycline to treat an intestinal infection in salmon at its Meadowbank hatchery. The company’s general manager of aquaculture, Depha Miedecke, explained that the decision to use antibiotics was a 'last line of defence' after a spike in water temperatures led to increased fish mortality. The medication was administered to two groups of fish over 20 days under veterinary guidance. While the hatchery is located 20 kilometres upstream from New Norfolk and within Hobart’s water catchment area, downstream users were not notified. Miedecke defended the company’s actions, stating they voluntarily disclosed the antibiotic use to the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), a move they described as 'proactive' and 'transparent.'
But is voluntary disclosure enough? Independent upper house member Meg Webb doesn’t think so. She slammed the 'murky lack of transparency' surrounding antibiotic use in freshwater hatcheries, arguing that the public deserves full and immediate access to such information. 'We need experts to assess this, and the community needs to know that full information is being provided,' she told ABC Mornings. This, she added, is crucial for building public trust and ensuring the industry’s social license to operate.
The EPA has since implemented antibiotic residue monitoring at Meadowbank Hatchery and plans to extend these measures to all freshwater hatcheries statewide. However, the lack of mandatory reporting has left many questioning whether the current regulatory framework is sufficient. The Greens have called for real-time disclosures of all antibiotic use in Tasmanian waters, while Health Minister Bridget Archer insists that antibiotic use is 'heavily regulated' and poses no public health risks. But with antimicrobial resistance on the rise, is regulation enough, or do we need stricter accountability?
Adding to the complexity, the industry has recently shifted to using florfenicol, a different antibiotic, in coastal salmon pens. Florfenicol is touted as more effective and less harmful to aquatic life, with 'real-time updates' on its use available on company websites. Yet, even with these measures, the debate rages on: Are we doing enough to protect our waterways and public health? And should companies be required to destock diseased farms to prevent further antibiotic use?
Here’s the controversial question: Should freshwater hatcheries face the same stringent disclosure rules as coastal farms, or is the current voluntary approach adequate? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation that needs your voice.
