King Island Is Still Under Threat

Earlier this year, concerns were raised about the proposal of salmon farm developments at Martha Lavinia on King Island – you can read more here. The island to the north-west of Tasmania is home to some of the best untouched A-frames on offer in Australia, arguably the world, but the proposed offshore salmon farms are threatening more than just wave quality in the region. 

The Surfrider Foundation Australia has recently compiled some of those opposed to the farms and put together a clip showcasing both the ripest surf selections available and additional arguments against the proposed developments. 

“To come to a place like this [and develop farms] that sells itself on its pristine natural elements just doesn’t make sense to me at all” Barton says “I understand that the farming of animals, farming of fish in particular, is a way to feed the planet. But at this point in time the practices are so suspicious that this is not the sort of environment to be doing that in. Nowhere is the environment to be doing that in.”

Macquarie Harbour on the Tasmanian mainland has already suffered some of the negative consequences from the salmon farming industry and many of the King Island locals don’t want to see the same impact on their own shores.  

“It just doesn’t fit with what King Island is.”

If you’re concerned and supportive of the protests against the developments, then you can head over and sign the petition here.