Draft Amendment No.3 to the D’Entrecasteaux Channel Marine Farming Development Plan February 2002

Environmental Impact Statement to accompany the Draft Amendment No.3 to the D’Entrecasteaux Channel Marine Farming Development Plan February 2002

Water and Marine Resources Division Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment Draft Amendment No.3 to the D’Entrecasteaux Channel Marine Farming Development Plan February 2002 & Environmental Impact Statement to accompany the Draft Amendment No.3 to the D’Entrecasteaux Channel Marine Farming Development Plan February 2002

Published: 2010

Published by: Marine Farming Branch Primary Industries Division Department of Primary Industries and Water GPO Box 44 Hobart Tasmania 7001

 Government of Tasmania This work is copyright. It may be reproduced for study, research or training purposes subject to an acknowledgment of the source and no commercial usage or sale.

ISBN 978-0-7246-6557-0

The Crown in right of the State of Tasmania gives no warranty, either express or implied, that the marine farming zone identified in this document is suitable for marine farming activities.

Persons considering marine farming within the zone identified within this document are solely responsible for establishing the suitability or otherwise of the zone for that purpose.

CAUTION: The maps shown throughout this document are not to be used for navigation. For navigation purposes appropriate hydrographic charts should be used. The coastline detail shown is reproduced from a 1:25000 scale giving a horizontal accuracy within 12.5 metres of true position. INTRODUCTION

The D’Entrecasteaux Channel Marine Farming Development Plan February 2002 (MFDP) identifies 39 marine farming zones within the plan area. One zone (Zone 23) is identified west of Soldiers Point.

The Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE) has received a request from Tassal Operations Pty Ltd, under section 33 of the Marine Farming Planning Act 1995 (MFPA), to amend marine farming Zone 23.

The request proposes to increase the size of Zone 23 to provide additional growing area to enable the proponent to enhance biosecurity between marine farming leases at Roberts Point and Soldiers Point through the adoption of year class separation measures. The zone area would be increased from 43.20 hectares to approximately 71.34 hectares. The maximum leasable area would be increased from 15.00 hectares to 22.00 hectares.

Under section 33 of the MFPA the Marine Farming Planning Review Panel (Panel) has approved the making of a draft amendment to the D’Entrecasteaux Channel MFDP February 2002.

Two documents are contained within this cover:

• a Draft Amendment No.3 to the D’Entrecasteaux Channel Marine Farming Development Plan February 2002; and

• an Environmental Impact Statement to accompany the Draft Amendment No.3 to the D’Entrecasteaux Channel Marine Farming Development Plan February 2002.

The Environmental Impact Statement to accompany the Draft Amendment No.3 to the D’Entrecasteaux Channel Marine Farming Development Plan February 2002 has been prepared and submitted by Tassal Operations Pty Ltd.

Public Consultation.

The Minister for Primary Industries and Water on the advice of the Panel has approved the public exhibition of the draft Amendment No.3 to the D’Entrecasteaux Channel MFDP February 2002 under section 38 of the MFPA. It has been determined under section 38 of the Act that the draft amendment will be subject to a one month period of public exhibition and comment. During this time interested parties may make representation relating to the draft amendment.

Members of the community may make written representation in relation to the draft amendment to the Secretary, Department of Primary Industries, Park, Water and Environment, GPO Box 44, Hobart, 7001, by the advertised date.

A representation is to be accompanied by a written request for a hearing if the representor wishes a hearing by the Panel in relation to that representation. The request is to state the address for receipt of any notice in relation to the hearing and is to be lodged with the Planning Authority by the advertised date.

At the end of the public consultation period the Planning Authority is required to forward a copy of each written representation received and a report on representations received to the Panel. Under section 9 (3) of the MFPA the Panel must conduct a hearing if a request is made pursuant to the provisions of section 39 (2) (c).

Respondents are advised that the contents of representations will be provided to members of the public on request unless they are marked “confidential”. The Department is subject to the Right to Information Act 2009 and may be required to disclose information under the Act if it is in the public interest to do so.

Copies of representations that are not confidential and the Planning Authority’s report on those representations as required by section 40 of the MFPA, when completed, can be inspected during normal office hours at the Department’s Marine Farming Branch office on the fourth floor of the TasPorts Corporation Building, 1 Franklin Wharf. A copy of the section 40 report may be obtained by contacting the Marine Farming Branch on Phone (03) 6233 3370.

Draft Amendment No.3 to the D’Entrecasteaux Channel Marine Farming Development Plan February 2002

Water and Marine Resources Division Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment

DRAFT AMENDMENT No.3 TO THE D’ENTRECASTEAUX CHANNEL MARINE FARMING DEVELOPMENT PLAN FEBRUARY 2002

Zone 23 - (west of Soldiers Point)

Location Zone 23 is located west of Soldiers Point and is approximately 410 metres from the coastline at its closest point.

Map 2.21 depicts Zone 23.

Zone 23 consists of all that area bounded by a line being from points defined by Mapping Grid of Australia Zone 55 (MGA) co-ordinates:

Zone Easting Northing Latitude Longitude 23-1 E522467.53 N5219451.96 43°10.6418′S 147°16.5866′E thence to 23-2 E522851.48 N5219816.32 43°10.4442′S 147°816.8691′E thence to 23-3 E523732.47 N5218887.94 43°10.9442′S 147°17.5219′E thence to 23-4 E523582.99 N5218747.46 43°11.0204′S 147°17.4119′E thence to 23-5 E523661.97 N5218664.63 43°11.065′S 147°17.4704′E thence to 23-6 E523426.53 N5218441.38 43°11.186′S 147°17.2972′E thence to 23-1 E522467.53 N5219451.96 43°10.6418′S 147°8.40708′E Mapping Grid of Australia Zone 55 Co-ordinates

Zone Area The area of Zone 23 is approximately 71.34 hectares.

Maximum Leasable Area The maximum leasable area within Zone 23 is 22.00 hectares.

Categories of fish The categories of fish permitted for culture within Zone 23, subject to the provisions of a marine farming licence, are finfish, shellfish and seaweeds.

Management Controls The management controls applying to Zone 23 are stipulated in Section 3 of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel Marine Farming Development Plan February 2002.

Special Management Controls The lessee must ensure that not more than 26 cages are held within Zone 23 at any one time.

The lessee must ensure that not more than 24 stocked cages are held within Zone 23 at any one time.

The lessee must ensure that all marine farming activities, other than moorings and mooring lines, within Zone 23 are contained within an area bounded by a line being from points defined by MGA co-ordinates:

Lease Easting Northing Latitude Longitude a E523410.88 N5218685.10 43° 11.0544'S 147° 17.285'E thence to b E522709.47 N5219425.09 43° 10.6559'S 147° 16.7653'E thence to c E522866.07 N5219573.61 43° 10.5753'S 147°16.8805'E thence to d E523566.93 N5218835.20 43° 10.973'S 147° 17.3998'E thence to a E523410.88 N5218685.10 43° 11.0544'S 147° 17.285'E Mapping Grid of Australia Zone 55 Co-ordinates

Special Provisions Subject to the provisions of the Marine Farming Planning Act 1995 it is the planning intention to provide for the relocation and expansion of marine farming Lease No. 110 to an area within Zone 23 west of Soldiers Point.

Tassal Group Environmental Impact Statement to accompany the Draft Amendment No.3 to the D’Entrecasteaux Channel Marine Farming Development Plan February 2002

Contents

1. Executive Summary 5 1.1 Proposed Amendment Description 5 1.2 Public Consultation 6 1.3 Existing Environment 6 1.4 Potential Effects and Their Management 7 1.5 Summary and Conclusion 9

2. Proposed Amendment Description 10 2.1 Proposal Overview 10 2.2 Proposed Zone and Lease Details 11 2.3 Infrastructure and Servicing 13 2.4 Stock Husbandry Aspects 17 2.5 Waste Management 20

3. Public Consultation 23 3.1 Stakeholder Engagement Strategy 23 3.2 Stakeholder Engagement Events 24 3.3 Major Outcomes of Stakeholder Engagement 25

4. Existing Environment 26 4.1 Environmental Conditions 28 4.2 Flora and Fauna 40 4.3 Reservations 45 4.4 Land Planning Aspects 45 4.5 Maritime Aspects 47 4.6 Tourism 49

5. Potential Effects and their Management 50 5.1 Impacts on the Natural Environment 50 5.2 Impacts on the Human Environment 73

6. Summary of Effects and their Management 88

7. Conclusion 92

8. References 93

Soldiers Point Marine Zone Expansion Environmental Impact Statement

Table Index

Table 1 Vessel activity at Soldiers Point 15 Table 2 Sediment sample descriptions for the fifteen sediment samples taken within the north-western section of the proposed marine farming zone at Soldiers Point (TAFI 2009a) 32 Table 3 Sediment sample descriptions for the thirteen sediment samples taken within the south-eastern section of the proposed marine farming zone at Soldiers Point (TAFI 2010) 35 Table 4 Descriptions for the 9 video transects undertaken within the south-eastern section of the proposed marine farming zone at Soldiers Point (TAFI 2010) 36 Table 5 Birds commonly observed in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel Region (DPIW 2007) 43 Table 6 Copper levels in Soldiers Point sediment samples 2003 & 2010 62 Table 7 Usage of antibiotics within current Soldiers Point zone for 2009 63 Table 8 Maximum levels of contaminants permitted under Marine Farm Licence Condition 1.13 65 Table 9 Assessment of Landscape Impact 74 Table 10 Assessment of Receptor Sensitivity 76 Table 11 Significance of Impact 77 Table 12 Summary of Effects and Management 88

Figure Index

Figure 1 Proposed Zone Location 12 Figure 2 Location of 30 bay grid (grey circles) within proposed expanded lease area (black solid line) and Zone (black hashed line). 14 Figure 3 Marine Farming Zone 23 Zoning Summary 27 Figure 4 Bathymetry Map of Proposed Zone 29 Figure 5 Sample Sites and Habitat Zone 31 Figure 6 Average currents recorded at various depths at the Soldiers Point zone for a 12 day period 38

Soldiers Point Marine Zone Expansion Environmental Impact Statement

Figure 7 Average monthly temperature and dissolved oxygen readings for the existing Soldiers Point Zone 23 for 2009 39 Figure 8 Kingborough Planning Scheme area and existing marine farming zones. Sited the LIST 20/01/2010 46 Figure 9 Proposed Zone Location with Respect to Shipping Channel 48 Figure 10 Shows the existing view from the Grandvewe Cheesery 79 Figure 11 Indicative view of the proposed lease expansion from the Grandvewe Cheesery 79 Figure 12 Taken from approximately 2 metres above sea level, this image shows a salmon pen, centre, blending in with background shoreline. 80 Figure 13 Varied appearance of salmon pens against open water. 81

Appendices

A A Typical 30 Cage Grid with 60 Metre Bays B Marine Farming Licence – Marine Farming Lease #110 C Diagram Illustrating Proposed Stocking Plan

Soldiers Point Marine Zone Expansion Environmental Impact Statement

1. Executive Summary

1.1 Proposed Amendment Description Tassal Operations Pty Ltd (Tassal) proposes to extend its current Marine Farming Lease 110 at Soldiers Point, within the D’Entrecasteaux Channel (the Channel) in southern Tasmania, by approximately 325 metres in length to accommodate additional sea cages. A corresponding expansion of marine farming Zone 23 encompassing the lease is therefore required. The amendment is driven by Tassal’s preventative disease management protocols and aims to achieve industry best practice by enabling year class separation.

The lease at Soldiers Point operates in conjunction with Lease 142 at Roberts Point, a short distance north, which together comprises Tassal’s ‘Bruny Island Region’ (the Region). The Roberts Point lease receives smolts each year, and these are grown initially at Roberts Point, with cages subsequently being relocated to Soldiers Point as space becomes available, where they are grown on to harvest size. This results in different generations or ‘year classes’ of fish being located on the Roberts Point and Soldiers Point leases at times through the production cycle, as shown in the Figure in Appendix C. Overlapping of year classes is not considered best practice from a biosecurity perspective since it provides an avenue for transfer of pathogens, particularly from older fish to younger and more potentially susceptible fish. The addition of eight extra stocked cage positions at Soldiers Point (from 16 to a maximum of 24 stocked cages) will enable year classes to be separated both at Soldiers Point and Roberts Point. Smolts will continue to be introduced to Roberts Point each year, where they will be grown through until approximately 1.5 kilograms before being transferred to Soldiers Point, where they will be on-grown to harvest size at approximately 4.5-5.0 kilograms live weight. Year class separation will improve Tassal’s biosecurity status, and lower the risk of pathogen transfer between different year classes of fish. Tassal is committed to maintaining best husbandry practices and year class separation is an important step in achieving this.

Overall production levels within the Huon River and D’Entrecasteaux Channel Marine Farming Development Plan (MFDP) areas are limited by a nitrogen cap, which limits the amount of feed that can be used by aquaculture companies, determined by the Secretary of the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE). The expansion of the lease is not proposed to hold more fish in total between the Roberts Point and Soldiers Point leases, but to allow Tassal to improve biosecurity at the existing level of production by separating year classes. There are no current proposals to increase overall fish stocks held on the two leases, although Tassal would have that capacity within the current nitrogen cap, whether this expansion is approved or not.

The current lease at Soldiers Point has a total of 16 bays. The expanded lease will have up to 30 bays. Of the 30 bays, it is Tassal’s intention to hold a maximum of 26 cages on the lease of which a maximum of 24 cages would be stocked and two liner cages would be used for bathing fish, allowing at least 6 bays to lie fallow from stocked cages at any one time. Management controls within the draft amendment limit the number of cages that can be held on the lease area to 26 of which 24 may be stocked.

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1.2 Public Consultation Tassal have instigated a stakeholder engagement program to interact with the local community and other stakeholders to discuss the project, its rationale and outcomes. Details of this program are outlined in Section 3. This ongoing strategy is helping to raise community awareness and to identify issues and concerns. It is anticipated that the formal lodging of this EIS will prompt further public consultation.

1.3 Existing Environment The proposed zone expansion will involve an increase to both the north-western and south-eastern ends of the existing zone. A range of studies have been undertaken over previous years which have been used to characterise the proposed expansion zone. Full details of the existing environment in the proposed zone are outlined in Section 4. A summary of the key characteristics of the existing environment are outlined as follows:

 The proposed zone is located totally in a marine environment;

 A deep channel runs through the middle of the proposed zone from north-west to south-east;

 The sediments in and around the proposed zone are comprised mainly of silt, with some areas containing shell fragments. A small patch of dolerite reef is located near the south-eastern end of the proposed zone;

 The area of the proposed zone is subject to moderate tidal water flows and various directions of wind swell;

 The benthic flora and fauna includes small amounts of sessile invertebrates including sponges, ascidians and bryozoans, together with several bivalve species, New Zealand screw shells and various other motile benthic invertebrates. Seagrass is uncommon in the area;

 Several species of birds and marine mammals are potentially present at times in and around the proposed zone;

 There are no known threatened species to inhabit the proposed zone, however it is conceivable that protected transient species may occur inside the zone from time to time;

 The proposed zone may be used for recreational purposes as the surrounding waterways are used commonly for recreational activities like fishing, diving and boating; and

 The proposed zone is not used for commercial fishing purposes.

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1.4 Potential Effects and Their Management The proposed extension to the lease and zone at Soldiers Point will lead to localised changes in environmental and social impacts at the site (e.g. additional sea cages on site). However, this will be offset by a corresponding decrease in stock numbers at Roberts Point as well as the biosecurity benefits achieved by year class separation. The impacts and mitigation measures regarding the zone expansion are outlined in Section 5. Salient points are summarised below:

 There will be increases in localised nutrient inputs into the waters in and around the proposed zone due to the increase in fish numbers. This will be within Tassal’s total permissible dissolved nitrogen output limit and will be offset by the reduction in stock from the nearby Roberts Point lease. Overall the Region’s nutrient input will remain unchanged as a result of this proposal;

 There will be an impact on sediments underneath fish pens located in the proposed zone expansion area associated with faecal and feed waste, but the impact is not expected to extend further than the usually observed footprint zones under aquaculture pens and standard company stocking density policies will apply. Sediment impact will increase spatially at the Soldiers Point lease, following the proposed zone expansion, from 16 pen bays to a maximum of 24 stocked bays (50% increase). This will be offset by a corresponding decrease in sediment impact at the Roberts Point zone, due to relocation of fish stock between the two leases. Annual video surveys will monitor any such impacts to gauge fallowing times necessary for sediments, and six spare pen bays will be available to allow sufficient fallowing times;

 Effects of particulate waste on marine flora and fauna are expected to primarily be localised underneath fish pens. The proposed zone has been moved from its original proposed location to accommodate a dolerite boulder reef near the south-eastern end of the proposed zone area. No listed threatened species have been identified during surveys of the proposed zone;

 There are various bird and marine mammal species that could potentially transit the proposed zone. There are existing mitigation measures in place in the current zone to prevent any impacts on these species. These same operational measures will be carried over to the proposed zone;

 There are expected to be both positive and negative changes to chemical use at the Soldiers Point lease, namely a potential increase in the deployment of antifouled nets and a decrease in antibiotic usage. The increase in antifoulant paint use will result in a corresponding decrease at the Roberts Point zone. Tassal is phasing out the use of antifoulant paints on nets across all its leases, with a target date of 2015 to be completely moved over to non-treated nets. Currently, 32% of Tassal’s nets are non-treated;

 The trend for antibiotic usage on a company wide basis is decreasing and the improved husbandry practice allowed by the proposed zone amendment at this site is expected to reduce antibiotic use at the Soldiers Point lease;

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 There will be an increased risk of species escape events from the increased number of fish transfer tows occurring within the Region. Due to fish being transferred at a later stage in the life cycle as a result of the proposed zone, the additional size would result in the same biomass per tow but with less fish due to their increased size. The decreased stock numbers per pen would result in reduced escape numbers if an escape event was to occur. There is a significant economic motivation to keep species escapes to a minimum. The company has a range of operational processes already in place to prevent escapes. Company protocols are strictly followed for each pen movement including pre and post tow inspection dives;

 Solid and liquid wastes will increase at the proposed marine farming zone. All company waste relocation policies will continue in the proposed zone and no net increase in waste is forecast for the Region as a whole;

 Effects of the proposed zone on commercial and recreational boating areas are expected to be minimal, based on discussions to date with Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST) and several yacht clubs. The proposed zone will be clearly marked and will be located well out of the recognised shipping channel;

 The proposed zone is expected to create some visual impacts attributable to the maximum of 8 additional stocked cages and 2 unstocked cages. Visual impacts will vary significantly according to the location and sensitivity of the observer. A visual impact assessment is included in this document in section 5.2.1;

 The proposed zone is not located within any reservations;

 Noise levels are not expected to increase as a result of the proposed expansion;

 Hours of operation will not alter, however the frequency of some activities will alter, as detailed in Table 1. If the zone is expanded, Tassal will relocate a larger feed barge to the site, which will have 4 times the feed storage capacity of the existing barge. This will result in visits from the feed supply vessel reducing from an average of 1.5 times per week to an average of 0.5 times per week. There will be an increase of approximately 50% in overall pen towing activity. Although all stock is currently towed to Soldiers Point as space becomes available, under the proposed scenario the stock will be towed to Soldiers Point at a later stage on average, when they will be occupying more cage space.

 There will be an anticipated reduction in bathing liner tows and in bathing activity at the lease despite the increased pen numbers, because on average the fish will be relocated to Soldiers Point at a later stage in their life cycle in order to maintain year class separation. Younger fish require bathing more frequently than older fish. In addition, year class separation will improve biosecurity which may have a positive influence in reducing the incidence of amoebic gill disease which requires bathing;

 Odour emissions are not expected to increase, odour prevention measures will be applied to the proposed zone, including timely fish mortality removal and the use of adequate fish feed storage systems;

 Based on discussions with the Tasmanian Association for Recreational Fishing (TARFish) and DPIPWE, impacts of the proposed zone on commercial and recreational fishing are expected to be minimal; and

 There are no impacts on marine tourism foreseen by the extension of the current zone, although there may be some visual impact to land-based tourism subject to individual stakeholder viewpoints.

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1.5 Summary and Conclusion The proposed Marine Zone Extension is driven by Tassal’s preventative disease management protocols and aims to achieve industry best practice by introducing year class separation. The key positive outcomes of the lease expansion will be the year class separation of fish between Soldiers Point and Roberts Point. As discussed throughout this document, year class separation has a number of benefits with respect to biosecurity, fish husbandry and disease prevention. Whilst the extension is likely to lead to a local increase in impacts at Soldiers Point, it will largely be offset by corresponding reductions at Roberts Point as no increase in production levels are proposed.

A number of potential impacts have been discussed throughout this document, particularly relating to impacts on water quality, sediment and biota. Tassal have demonstrated an ability to successfully manage these issues through several years of operations at Soldiers Point and will apply all current management practices and monitoring requirements to the proposed extension.

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2. Proposed Amendment Description

2.1 Proposal Overview

2.1.1 Proponent Details The proponent for this proposal is:

 Tassal Operations Pty Ltd 20 Glen Road Huonville TAS 7109 Tassal is the largest producer of Atlantic salmon in Australia, farming approximately 18,000 tonnes of salmon per annum, all in Tasmanian waters.

Tassal currently holds 26 marine farming leases in 4 different MFDP areas in the State.

2.1.2 Proposed Development The proposal is to extend the marine farming zone and subsequently Lease 110 at Soldiers Point by approximately 325 metres in length. This will enable the existing 8x2x70 metre grid with 16 cage positions to be replaced by a 15x2x60 metre grid with 30 cage positions which will accommodate a maximum of 24 stocked positions and 6 positions for fallowing.

2.1.3 Rationale / Need for the Proposal The lease at Soldiers Point operates in conjunction with Lease 142 at Roberts Point which together comprise the Tassal ‘Bruny Island Region’ (the Region). Smolt are introduced each year into the Roberts Point lease, and grown until space becomes available for them to be transferred to Soldiers Point for final growout and harvest (see stocking diagram in Appendix C). This has historically resulted in an overlap of year classes at Roberts Point because all of the fish of one year class cannot be transferred to Soldiers Point before the next year class is introduced, due to lack of cage space. It also results in an overlap of year classes at Soldiers Point because the first of a year class have to be transferred to Soldiers Point as soon as cage space becomes available, and this has historically occurred before all of the fish of the previous year class have been harvested from Soldiers Point. The provision of 14 additional cage positions at Soldiers Point provides the additional cage space required to enable Tassal to provide year class separation at the two leases. It is proposed that Tassal will deploy up to 24 stocked cages plus two bathing liner cages in the lease area. It is industry best practice to separate salmon year classes, as when smolt are brought into the marine environment for the first time they are more susceptible to diseases that may be carried by neighbouring fish that have been at sea for longer periods. Whilst older neighbouring salmon may not show any symptoms they may still harbour pathogens that could more easily affect the susceptible smolt. The total geographical separation of year classes mitigates the above situation occurring and reduces the chance of year classes needing antibiotic treatment in the future.

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The D’Entrecasteaux Channel Marine Farm Development Plan (MFDP) contains management controls which allow the Secretary of DPIPWE to determine the total permissible dissolved nitrogen output (TPDNO) as a result of marine farming operations within the plan area. In December 2008 the Secretary determined the TPDNO for the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and apportioned Tassal a percentage of this TPDNO. This effectively limits the amount of feed that Tassal may use within the plan area, depending on the nitrogen content of the feed and feeding efficiency, and thus dictates production. To date Tassal’s apportionment has not been fully used. It is Tassal’s intention to continue to grow its business over time, in a sustainable manner, up to its TPDNO apportionment. This growth potential is present in the plan area irrespective of this proposed amendment. As previously mentioned this proposal is not intended to result in an increase in Tassal’s apportionment of TPDNO. The key aim of the extension is to achieve year class separation of fish. Many of the impacts discussed in Section 5 will be offset by the movement of cages / fish from Roberts Point to Soldiers Point which will not result in increased fish numbers. It is acknowledged that, irrespective of this proposal, Tassal intends to increase production up to the permissible limit under the TPDNO. Some of this increased production may or may not occur within the Roberts Point and / or Soldiers Point leases irrespective of this proposed amendment.

2.1.4 Anticipated Establishment Costs Replacement of moorings for the expanded lease is anticipated to cost in the order of $700,000, although the moorings design has not been finalised and this figure may differ slightly.

2.1.5 Existing and Likely Markets for Product Since the proposed expansion of the lease is not intended to increase overall production, the production from the lease will be sold to Tassal’s existing markets.

2.2 Proposed Zone and Lease Details

2.2.1 Location of Proposed Zone Figure 1 shows the location of the existing and proposed zones, and the existing and proposed lease areas.

The closest finfish lease is at Apollo Bay which is approximately 3.1 kilometres to the north. The closest shellfish lease is approximately 1.3 kilometres to the south-east. The existing zone is approximately 580 metres from the coastline at its closest point. The proposed extension to the zone is approximately 410 metres from the coastline at its closest point.

The existing Lease 110 is serviced from Tassal facilities at Sykes Cove, Kettering and Electrona, and this will continue with the proposed extended lease.

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Figure 1 Proposed Zone Location

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2.2.2 Proposed Zone Area The existing Zone 23 has an area of approximately 43.20 hectares with a Maximum Lease Area (MLA) of 15 hectares. The proposed zone would have an area of approximately 71.34 hectares with an MLA of 22 hectares.

2.2.3 Location of Proposed Lease The proposed extension to Lease 110 has similar orientation to the existing lease, which is approximately north-west/south-east.

Proposed changes to the lease size and shape are outlined in Sections 2.2.1, 2.2.2 and Infrastructure and Servicing

2.3 Infrastructure and Servicing

2.3.1 Mooring and Grid system The existing grid system at Lease 110, would be replaced by a new 30-bay grid.

Table 2 shows the location of the proposed 30-bay grid mooring system in relation to the proposed lease and zone boundaries.

The mooring blocks will be deployed and maintained within the proposed zone boundary.

It should be noted that the original proposed zone area was rearranged slightly in order for the zone to avoid a small patch of dolerite reef at the south-eastern end; as a result all moorings and mooring lines will avoid the reef area. The exclusion of the reef from the proposed zone was requested following a public consultation open day held by Tassal (see Section 3.3.1).

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Figure 2 Location of 30 bay grid (grey circles) within proposed expanded lease area (black solid line) and Zone (black hashed line). The diagram in Appendix A illustrates the design of a typical sea cage mooring grid.

2.3.2 Size and Configuration of Sea Pens/Netting The cages deployed on the expanded lease will be the same design as those currently deployed at Lease 110. These are 120 metre circumference plastic cages. The nets have a side wall of 15 metres, and the deepest part of the net is approximately 17 metres.

Predator nets are not optimal for seal exclusion and are not utilised. Instead the cage netting is heavily weighted and is stiffened to provide protection against seal predation.

The top of the cage is covered by a bird net with a mesh size of less than 115 millimetres. Cage nets are inspected by divers at least once a week, and before and after pen movements. Bird nets are inspected daily. Moorings are subject to periodic inspection by divers, and additional inspections may be instigated following storm events.

Copper antifoulant is currently used on cage nets that are deployed at Lease 110. The paint is used under an Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) research permit. Antifouled nets may also be deployed in the expanded zone under the APVMA research permit, along with non- antifouled monofilament nets.

Cages are normally constructed at Plastic Fabrications, Prince of Wales Bay, or at Mitchell Plastic welding, Port Huon. After construction they are towed to the marine farm.

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2.3.3 Construction Aspects The replacement of the existing grid and extension of the proposed new portion of lease area is expected to take approximately 3 weeks to complete.

During the installation of the grid extension, buoyed trip lines marking mooring blocks would be deployed in the buffer area between the lease and Zone boundaries. A ‘Notice to Mariners’ would be issued to advise of this hazard.

Deployment would require the use of a large workboat with a crane to lift and deploy mooring blocks.

2.3.4 Servicing the Proposed Zone Servicing of the expanded zone and lease would follow the same pattern as the existing lease with work crews accessing the site on a daily basis from Kettering and/or Roberts Point. The level of boat activity to and from the site would vary according to the activities being carried out, but on a typical day the site could be accessed by up to 4 vessels, see Table 1.

Table 1 Vessel activity at Soldiers Point

After Vessel Type Current Situation Expansion

Staff Transfers to/from site 15 per week 11 per week

Feed Delivery Vessel 1.5 per week 0.5 per week

Dive Boat 2 per week 1 per week

Pen Tows (return trips) 16 per year 24 per year

Liner Tows 80 per year 72 per year

Harvest Vessel 38 per year 38 per year

In Situ Net Cleaner (winter) 7 days/month 10 days/month

In Situ Net Cleaner (summer) 13 days/month 19 days/month

Typical working hours on the farm are 6am to 7pm in the summer and 7am till 5pm in the winter.

Security patrols may visit the site outside of these hours and will utilise security lights under controlled conditions. The bulk of the equipment and infrastructure required to service the expanded lease would be the same as the existing lease, other than the extra cages.

Feed Barge The existing feed barge moored on the current lease will be replaced by a newly constructed feed barge. The new barge will contain a centralised feeding system and will provide dive crew facilities and amenities for the work crew. In comparison to the existing barge, the new feed barge will have a lower profile and a reduced noise output. The new barge also has 4 times the feed storage capacity of the

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existing barge, meaning that despite the additional feed being used on the site, feed deliveries to the site will reduce in frequency, from an average of 1.5 deliveries per week to 0.5 per week, (see Table 1).

Amenities Waste from onsite amenities is pumped to a holding tank on the barge, and then collected by a service vessel for approved disposal on-shore. There is not anticipated to be any increase in this waste stream as there will be no significant increase in the average numbers of work crew on the lease.

Power There is a generator on the current barge, which provides power for the feeding system and barge amenities. This generator operates throughout working hours, with night use only in emergency situations. A compressor is used to run a ventilation system, mentioned in Section 5.1.1. The ventilation system is used only on occasions when algal trawls indicate increased plankton levels which may become a concern to fish health. This is a rare occurrence in the Soldiers Point area owing to the high energy environment observed. The new feed barge has been constructed so that the compressor can be contained within a soundproof screen.

In Situ Net Cleaner An in-situ net cleaner currently operates on the lease during working hours. The frequency of its use will increase with the additional cages on the lease, estimates of additional cleaning days required are included in Table 1. The in-situ net cleaner is operated by a diesel generator.

Bathing As is common practice within the industry, salmon periodically need to be bathed in freshwater to control gill amoeba. Bathing involves towing cages filled with freshwater contained in a tarpaulin liner from fill stations to the lease area. The fill stations used to service the lease will depend on water availability, but the most likely resources are Flowerpot Dam near Woodbridge, Shelter Cove Dam near Barnes Bay, Electrona Dam, Sykes Cove and Port Huon. Typically each population of salmon needs to be bathed approximately 8-10 times during its seawater growth.

Bathing currently occurs at the site, and despite the additional cages which will be held at the lease after the expansion, it is anticipated that there will be a decrease in the overall number and frequency of bathing operations and bathing liner tows. This is because the cages of fish will, on average, be relocated to Soldiers Point at a later stage of the growth cycle as a result of maintaining year class separation. As younger fish need to be bathed more frequently than older fish, the frequency of bathing at Soldiers Point is anticipated to decrease.

Harvesting Harvesting of the lease will be by direct harvest onto one of Tassal’s harvest vessels, as is the current situation. The fish are harvested using an automatic percussive stunning system which provides industry best practice for humane slaughter, and fish are immediately chilled in refrigerated sea water. The system is designed to minimise stress to the fish during the harvesting process. It is important to note that all fish in the Region are currently harvested from cages at Soldiers Point, therefore there will be no increase in the frequency of harvest operations at Soldiers Point as a result of the lease expansion. The

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number of harvest days in each year is estimated at 38 days, and this will not change as a result of the expansion. Harvesting generally occurs during working hours, although it can be carried out at night due to sales or logistics requirements. Tassal has recently spent $180,000 on noise reduction improvements on its harvest vessel.

2.3.5 Infrastructure Maintenance All maintenance will be in accordance with existing practices for the current cages.

Cage maintenance would normally be carried out in Prince of Wales Bay, Hobart, or at Port Huon.

Net maintenance is carried out at Dover and at Port Huon. Minor repairs may be carried out at Sykes Cove.

Routine vessel maintenance will be carried out at Sykes Cove, with larger projects normally carried out in Hobart, Kettering or Electrona.

2.4 Stock Husbandry Aspects

2.4.1 Fish Size / Stocking Density The species to be cultivated at the Soldiers Point lease is Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar). Stocking activities within the proposed zone/lease will occur within the provisions of a marine farming licence (Appendix B) and marine farming development plan management controls. The site will be stocked with grow out fish at around 1.5 kilograms, and fish will be grown through to harvest at around 5 kilograms.

Maximum permitted stocking density under the D’Entrecasteaux Channel MFDP is 25kg/m3, however, Tassal’s internal policy for the Region is not to exceed a stocking density of 15kg/m3.

2.4.2 Fish Feeding Fish will be fed commercial extruded salmon feeds. Projected monthly feed amounts will vary according to water temperature, fish size, fish health, and harvest profile. Projected biological Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) for the grow-out cycle will be 1.35.

Feeding is carried out by a centralised feed system, with a trained operator controlling the feeding by a camera feedback system. Sediment monitoring is carried out during the annual video survey required by the DPIPWE, as well as video monitoring carried out ‘in-house’ as part of Tassal’s sustainable management of the zone.

The biomass held on Lease 110 will increase due to the additional cages, but the biomass in the overall Region will not increase, as fish are simply being relocated from the Roberts Point lease.

2.4.3 Fish Health The current application is driven strongly by Tassal’s preventative disease management protocols. The proposed zone expansion will enable Tassal to avoid multiple year class stocking at both the Roberts Point and Soldiers Point leases which will minimise the chances of year class pathogen transfer.

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Fish health issues which have previously occurred in the existing Soldiers Point zone to date include Summer Gut Syndrome and Amoebic Gill Disease (AGD).

Summer Gut Syndrome is a condition affecting Atlantic salmon in Tasmania during the summer months and arises from a microflora imbalance in the gut of the salmon, principally as a result of the proliferation of non-specific vibrio bacteria. The condition responds well to a range of antibiotics, and investigations into alternative methods of prevention and/or treatment are underway, including the possible use of probiotics.

AGD is currently controlled by freshwater bathing, although the industry is actively supporting the development of AGD vaccines. Stock breeding for AGD resistance is being undertaken through the SALTAS Selective Breeding Programme.

Tassal has a comprehensive biosecurity protocol in operation, which is linked to the Australian Aquatic Veterinary Emergency Plan (AQUAVETPLAN), and follows HACCP protocols. The Protocol identifies different Alert Status categories, and Control Zones, and lays out standard procedures for minimising the risk of disease transfer, within and between Control Zones. The Control Zones for the policy are as follows:

1. Nubeena – Badgers, Creese’s, Billy Blue 2. Channel – Robert’s Point, Sheppard’s, Soldiers, Tinderbox 3. Macquarie – Tassal, (Zone includes Petuna and SOT farms) 4. Dover – Upper Huon (Killala), Tin Pot Point, Partridge Island, Mead’s, Redcliffe’s, Stringers (Zone includes HAC farms) 5. Russell Falls Hatchery – Control of movement between hatcheries is especially important where units are situated on different river catchments, movement between sea sites and hatcheries should be controlled at all times. 6. Rookwood Hatchery 7. Third Party Hatcheries - (SALTAS) The Region sits within the ‘Channel’ control zone, which is separated from remaining zones as indicated above. Protocols to minimise disease / pathogen transfer in between these control zones includes the thorough disinfection of all equipment that is transferred between control zones (liners, fish bins, bathe equipment), labelling of equipment as zone specific so that no transfer occurs, restriction of use of cages between control zones and disinfection of staff equipment such as boots and wet weather gear before entry into different control zones.

Overall the expansion of the Soldiers Point zone and movement of fish from Roberts Point is expected to have a net improvement in fish health due to the separation of year classes.

Tassal uses antibiotics, when required, to treat sick fish but only under veterinary supervision. Tassal are morally obliged to look after their livestock if they become sick and antibiotics (as with human medicine) are an important tool for the veterinarian. Tassal are continually striving to implement practices that will reduce the need for antibiotic usage. As a result, Tassal’s total use of antibiotics has decreased considerably since 2007. As previously discussed, it is anticipated that this proposal will result in a further reduction in antibiotic use.

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Any salmon that are treated with antibiotics must go through a lengthy withdrawal period to ensure the antibiotic is cleansed from their system; this can be anywhere from 90 to 120 days.

Tassal are in the process of developing a sustainability reporting framework for 2010/11. Reporting on antibiotic use will be included within this framework.

While across the Tasmanian salmon farm industry antibiotic use did increase in 2007, it has decreased since then, and is expected to continue to decrease, a global trend as the industry matures (Marine Harvest Handbook 2010, www.marineharvest.com).

2.4.4 Predator Control Australian and New Zealand Fur Seals are potential predators of salmon in marine farms. The primary means of controlling seal predation is through exclusion, by means of heavily weighted, tensioned and stiffened cage nets. Net barriers may also be required above the handrails to prevent seals from jumping into the cages.

Tassal have worked closely with Plastic Fabrications Pty Ltd to develop a new aerial seal and bird net that it believes will easily cope with loadings placed on the net by seals trying to enter the pens. Tassal is committed to the use of passive seal deterrents and exclusion infrastructure, and employs a dedicated Seal Manager who regularly consults with researchers, experts and government authorities to manage seal exclusion responsibly and effectively.

A combination of seal exclusion, seal behaviour management and diligent farm practice currently occurs throughout Tassal’s marine operations. This will be extended to the proposed zone expansion.

If a seal does enter one of the nets, Tassal has the option to trap and relocate seals. The Wildlife Management Branch of DPIPWE, in consultation with sections of the marine industry and other interest groups, has developed a set of specific protocols to manage the risk posed to both the wildlife and human interests. These protocols address circumstances and procedures under which it would be appropriate to apply negative conditioning (methods to scare or deter seal from sites) to persistent seals, or to relocate individual seals. If a seal becomes an unacceptable and repeated threat to human safety on the farms, Tassal does have the option to enact a humane destruction protocol also developed in conjunction with the DPIPWE. If this protocol is enacted, it is administered by the Wildlife Management Branch of DPIPWE.

In 2009-2010 there were a total of four seal relocations from the Soldiers Point lease. Negative seal interactions are a significant environmental aspect for Tassal and the entire aquaculture industry. The ongoing management of this issue will be an important component of sustainability performance and reporting. Birds are also a potential predatory problem. The means of control is to prevent access to the fish or to feed pellets, by means of properly designed and supported bird nets. Regular attention and maintenance of bird netting, particularly tensioning, is standard practice on all Tassal farms and this practice yields the best results in excluding birds from the feed pellets.

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2.5 Waste Management

2.5.1 Solid Waste There will be no new solid waste streams as a result of the expansion, however some existing waste streams will increase at Soldiers Point (albeit with a corresponding decrease at Roberts Point). Each solid waste stream is discussed below.

Harvest Waste Solid waste and bloodwater from the harvest process is contained in the harvest vessel during the harvest and delivered to the primary processing plant in Dover. Fish gut is then sent to an approved land- based rendering facility and bloodwater is treated at Tassal’s Dover waste water treatment plant and disposed of via an existing approved marine outfall. As all fish harvested from the Region are currently harvested from Soldiers Point, and no increase of production is proposed, there will be no change in the quantity or management of Harvest Waste.

Fish Mortalities As with any livestock operation, mortalities do occur. Mortalities at the current lease are generally low. When all 24 cage positions are stocked, there could be up to 50% more mortalities removed from the lease than in the current situation and a corresponding reduction in quantity from Roberts Point. Mortalities from the Soldiers Point and Roberts Point leases are collected in sealed fish bins and returned to the shore base at Electrona where they are held in a refrigerated container until they are collected at least once a week, for removal to an approved land-based rendering facility for beneficial reuse. The frequency of mortality removal from the lease will not increase as a result of the proposal. The quantity of this waste stream removed from the Soldiers Point lease will increase by up to 50%, but there will be no impact on the land-based rendering facility as the final quantity received will not change.

Land-based Net Wash Solids produced at the land-based net-wash site at Dover are currently stored in accordance with the Regulation 12 Approval from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). There will be no increase in the number of nets to be washed at this facility as a result of this proposal. All nets washed at the Dover net-wash site are done so in accordance with the existing Permit. Investigations are currently progressing with a third party to process the solids for recovery of the copper, however this is in the concept stage. The use of copper-based paint for antifouling has decreased across the company and the company has set 2015 as a target date to stop using copper-based antifoulant paint.

Feed Waste Uneaten feed is minimised through the use of video camera feedback systems and additional tools such as pellet catching panels. Any pellets that do fall through the cages are detected in routine video surveys, and the information is used to continuously improve feed management. With a 50% increase in stocked cages there will potentially be a 50% increase in feed loss. There will also be a corresponding reduction in feed loss quantity at the Roberts Point zone. It is not anticipated that there will be an increase in feed waste concentrations within the current impact area, but rather similar concentrations distributed over the increased lease area. The benthic impact of this solid waste is expected to be reduced because a minimum of 6 positions will be fallowed at any time.

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Fish Waste Fish faeces fall through the bottom of the fish cages and are deposited on the sea bed below the cages. Video surveys undertaken by Tassal as part of their annual survey requirements demonstrate that there is very little spread beyond the immediate vicinity of the cage. Cage positions are routinely fallowed to allow the biological processes in the sediment to break down the organic matter, and for the sediments to recover. The quantity of fish faeces deposited to the sediment is expected to increase to a maximum of 50% of the current quantities. As with feed waste, it is not anticipated that there will be a significant increase in faeces concentrations within the current impact area, but rather similar concentrations distributed over the increased lease area. The benthic impact of this solid waste is expected to be reduced because a minimum of 6 positions will be fallowed at any time. There will be a corresponding reduction in faecal waste at the Roberts Point zone (see section 2.1.3).

In-situ Net Cleaner Waste The current in-situ net cleaning process results in the physical removal of net fouling including organic matter and antifoulant. The solids from this waste stream are directed back into the environment and can potentially settle on local sediments, depending on currents and wave actions. There will be an increase in this waste stream proportional to the number of additional nets utilised at the proposed zone up to a maximum of 10 additional cages including bathing liner cages.

According to Dalgleish (July 2009) it was experimentally determined that an average in-situ net clean of a 120m diameter net would on average load 0.503kg of Cu and 0.208kg of Zn into the marine environment. The source of these metals is from the paint constituent of the antifouling paint. A clear regressional relationship was observed for the Cu loadings, when assessed against the number of cleans that a net had undergone. That is, the more a net is cleaned, the less Cu that is loaded into the marine environment. Deriving the additional quantities of metal loadings from the in-situ net cleaning requires a complex analysis of the age of the nets and the number of cleans that they have undergone. The assessment would need to take into account the additional nets and the status of their cleaning frequency and project the number of cleans that each additional net would be subject to. Any estimation arrived at would only be an educated guess and it would be unfair to base a quantifiable number on this, based on the method of determination. The organic and copper components of this waste stream will be taken into consideration with the Caring for our Country (CFOC) funded industry study due to commence in September 2010. Refer to section 5.1.8 for a discussion on the impacts of copper.

Tassal is phasing out the use of antifoulant paints on nets across all its leases, with a target date of 2015 to be completely moved over to non-treated nets. Currently, 32% of Tassal’s nets are non-treated.

2.5.2 Liquid Waste Similarly to solid waste, there will be no new liquid waste streams as a result of the expansion, only increases in the volumes of some existing waste streams.

Black and grey water from the barge is collected in a waste tank which is routinely emptied by the service vessel. The waste is discharged to an approved disposal point on-shore. There is not anticipated to be any changes in the quantity of this waste stream as there will be no increases in crew attendance as a result of the proposal.

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Liquid waste from in-situ net cleaning is deposited into the water column and contains the solid waste mentioned in the section above and also dissolved organic matter and dissolved copper. The proposed zone expansion will result in an increase of this waste stream in proportion to the number of additional cages utilised. The difficulties in quantifying this waste stream at the present time are identified in the ‘Solid Waste’ section above.

Liquid waste from land-based net cleaning activity is currently stored and treated before disposal by an approved method. As mentioned in previous sections, investigations are currently progressing with a third party for treatment options for recovery of the copper, however this is in the concept stage and is outside the scope of this proposal..

2.5.3 Environmental Monitoring The environmental monitoring program in place for the existing lease will continue and be expanded for the new lease area, as follows:

 Annual benthic video monitoring will be required for the proposed lease under Schedule 3V of the Marine Farming Licence (see Appendix B);

 Additional in-house video monitoring is carried out as part of Tassal’s lease management strategy;

 Daily checks of water temperature and oxygen levels are carried out, as well as regular phytoplankton checks;

 Tassal are also involved in a number of broader environmental programs, namely: – Broad scale Monitoring Programme for the Huon River and D’Entrecasteaux Channel MFDP Areas. This programme is closely monitoring the dissolved nitrogen emissions from aquaculture within these Plan areas; – INFORMD (Inshore Network for Observation and Regional Management Derwent-Huon), a network mandated to support an informed and involved community; which is vital to long-term, sustainable coastal development. Through meaningful participation in this network, Tassal and the broader salmon farming industry will be better able to identify, understand and address local, social and environmental impacts of salmon farming. Shared research objectives and collaborative projects developed through this network will address biophysical constraints to growth while communicating and sharing results and adaptive management strategies with local communities and key stakeholders; – Derwent Estuary Programme. Tassal has been involved in discussions regarding how current and future data from the D'Entrecasteaux channel can be shared and integrated with existing Derwent Estuary data to build a more complete understanding of the overall system; and – Tassal and Huon Aquaculture have recently received a CFOC Grant from the federal government to undertake a project which aims to improve the water quality in which the Tasmanian salmonid industry operates. The project will result in a significant improvement in management practices and knowledge and skill in NRM within the broader Australian aquaculture industry. Industry best practice guidelines will be developed for the management of net biofouling, to improve water quality by minimising chemical antifoulant, nutrient and sediment discharge. New net management practices will be trialled at multiple sites across southern Tasmania and will develop, demonstrate and implement an optimum net management regime to farmers.

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3. Public Consultation

3.1 Stakeholder Engagement Strategy Tassal has set out to identify all potential stakeholders including but not limited to the list below:

 MAST;

 Local Yacht clubs and recreational boating associations;

 Kingborough Council;

 Residents of Woodbridge area – identification to be supported by Kingborough Council;

 Relevant state and local conservation groups;

 TARFISH;

 Tasmanian Seafood Industry Council;

 Affected residents on Bruny Island - e.g. Snake Bay;

 Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania;

 Local tourism operators – e.g. Peppermint Bay;

 Woodbridge Marine Centre; and

 Interested members of the community. Tassal has taken a coordinated approach to stakeholder and community engagement which aims to enhance and support communications. After all stakeholders were identified, Tassal developed a stakeholder engagement strategy (SES). This strategy continues to provide a strategic and coordinated approach to stakeholder engagement and assists in the management of emerging issues, keeping stakeholders informed and maintaining positive stakeholder relationships.

The SES outlines engagement and communication activities for all stakeholders as well as assigning responsibility and establishing timeframes for each task. The plan has assisted in minimising disruption amongst stakeholders and the community arising from the project, by providing an opportunity for people to be aware of the project, understand the impacts of the expansion and how it will directly affect them.

Specific engagement activities that are planned or have been undertaken include:

 Staffed information displays to provide a range of information about the project and to raise any questions or concerns with representatives of Tassal;

 Open days at the existing marine farm site or similar site;

 Attendance at community events to provide information, listen to community concerns and answer questions;

 Conduct briefings with key stakeholders (individuals and organisations);

 Identify and capitalise on opportunities to link with existing networks and provide information through these channels;

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 Provision of project information to ensure accurate information is available and that people understand the nature of the expansion;

 Local media promotion of the material;

 Establishment of an online information page which will include provision of a phone number, email and postal address for anyone who has a question, concern or wishes to obtain more information or discuss the project; and

 Develop partnerships with other organisations (for example conservation groups, tourism operators and businesses within the local area) that can contribute to the project or are mutually beneficial and support the application. This is part of a larger Tassal stakeholder/community engagement approach. A number of the above engagement activities have already been carried out or are underway.

3.2 Stakeholder Engagement Events

3.2.1 Tassal Open Day, Woodbridge Tassal held a public consultation open day for the proposed Soldiers Point marine farming zone expansion on Saturday the 20th February 2010 at the Woodbridge Marine Discovery Centre. The open day provided a means for the public and key stakeholders to access information, provide comment regarding the proposed development and to discuss the process with Tassal’s management team. The event also promoted Tassal’s willingness to provide the public and stakeholders with a transparent developmental process, which is an important part of the company’s sustainability and environmental commitment to Tasmania.

Overall the event was well attended with around 60 people attending on the day. Several issues were raised which will allow Tassal staff to work on and rectify some of the key sustainability and environmental concerns. There were 40 people who left contact details to receive a copy of the EIS which Tassal intends to deliver when it is formally lodged.

As part of the day’s proceedings Tassal took over 50 people by boat to the current Soldiers Point lease for an interactive site visit.

The following Tassal staff attended the event and spoke with stakeholders:

David Kiemele – General Manager Farming

Linda Sams – Chief Sustainability Officer Craig Selkirk – General Manager Special Projects

Cameron Dalgleish – Environmental and Sustainability Manager

Sharyn Powell – Business Manager Tasmania Lance Hubbert – Technical Manager

Matt Barrenger – Environmental Technical Officer

Jamie Bester – Bruny Island Regional Manager

Andrew Hunter – Seal Management Officer

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3.3 Major Outcomes of Stakeholder Engagement

3.3.1 Adjustment of proposed zone location Following initial consultation with MAST, it was indicated that the proposed zone may impact on recreational boating due to its protrusion towards the centre of the main boating channel. Tassal modified the original zone proposal based on this advice and retracted the zone back towards the south-east.

Shortly after the open day event, Tassal was contacted by a stakeholder who operates the Woodbridge Marine Discovery Centre’s research vessel Penghana, who reported a section of reef within the proposed zone expansion area that was not detected by previous bathymetric surveys. The reef is shown via a video drop camera to students on the boat tour as it contains some interesting marine life including sponges and seawhips. The stakeholder was concerned that any mooring systems on the reef could cause environmental degradation, which could subsequently affect a portion of the educational program. Upon hearing these concerns, Tassal offered to work with the stakeholder to rectify any potential problems associated with the proposed zone and subsequent lease expansion. Tassal staff made a site visit with the concerned stakeholder and deployed the company’s Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) capabilities to survey the existing conditions on and around the reef. Footage of areas surrounding the reef was then sent to DPIPWE for consideration.

DPIPWE engaged the Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute (TAFI) to undertake a benthic survey of the area of concern. During this process DPIPWE indicated that Tassal should consider moving the proposed zone to a position where the reef would not be affected by mooring systems. Additionally, DPIPWE advised that it does not recommend that zones be placed above reef areas. Subsequently, Tassal have realigned the proposed zone area to avoid the section of reef.

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4. Existing Environment

In preparing the following sections, reference has been made to a number of historical reports and studies of the proposed zone expansion and surrounding areas. A summary of the key resources is as follows:

 Baseline Environmental Assessment of Marine Farming Lease #E2 at Soldiers Point Finfish Farm, Aquenal, May 2000; (This report covers the original Soldiers Point marine farming zone which is encompassed by the proposed zone);

 Environmental Assessment of Proposed Marine Farming Regions in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, TAFI, June 2001; (This report covers a broad area around the Soldiers Point proposed zone, including sample sites from within the south-eastern section of the proposed zone);

 Zone Assessment Report, Environmental Assessment of Proposed Marine Farming Zone Extension off Soldiers Point D’Entrecasteaux Channel, TAFI, 2005; (This report covers the area of the first amendment to the original marine farming zone);

 Baseline Environmental Assessment and Annual Video Monitoring of Marine Farming Lease #110 at Soldiers Point Finfish Farm Final Report, Aquenal, 2006; (This is the baseline survey for the first amendment to the original marine farming zone);

 Environmental Assessment of a Proposed Marine Farming Zone Extension at Soldiers Point [NW] in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, TAFI, 2009(a). (This report covers the north-western area of the proposed zone);

 Environmental Assessment of a Proposed Marine Farming Zone Extension at Soldiers Point [SE] in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, TAFI, 2010. (This report covers the south-eastern area of the proposed zone); and

 Personal comments from Dr. Neville Barrett (TAFI) on the sub tidal reef found nearby to the proposed zone. These reports cover various areas of the existing and proposed lease and zone as the boundaries of the site have changed over time. As a result the sections below have been compiled from these reports, taking relevant information from each as required. There has been no single assessment covering the entire existing and proposed zone area, but the combination of information in all the above reports (and other data sources) is considered sufficient and has been confirmed by DPIPWE as suitable for the assessment of this project. As a useful guide to the history of zone movements at zone 23, Figure 3 is included below

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Figure 3 Marine Farming Zone 23 Zoning Summary

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4.1 Environmental Conditions

4.1.1 Bathymetry Bathymetry of the site has been assessed on separate occasions with the north-western expansion area being covered intensely by a 2009 TAFI zone assessment (TAFI 2009a) and the south-eastern section being covered by a 2010 TAFI zone assessment (TAFI 2010). The bathymetry of both areas can be seen in Figure 4.

The bathymetric measurements of the north-western area (TAFI 2009a) of the proposed zone during July 2009 found the following key characteristics:

 The bathymetry of the north-western section of the proposed zone ranges from 9 to 34 metres deep;

 A deep channel runs in a north-western/south-eastern direction through the middle of the zone which ranges from 30–34 metres deep; and

 The south-western part of the study area flattened out at around 17 metres depth, while the north- eastern part of the study area was generally shallower than 18 metres deep. The shallowest part of the study site was at its northern tip at 9 metres deep where it approached Umbrella Point. The bathymetric study of the south-eastern area (TAFI 2010) of the proposed zone during May 2010 found the following key characteristics:

 The bathymetry of the south-eastern section of the proposed zone ranges from around 12 metres towards Soldiers Point to 22 metres further westward; and

 The dolerite reef near the proposed zone at its shallowest point is around 7.8 metres.

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Figure 4 Bathymetry Map of Proposed Zone 29

4.1.2 Substrates There have been several studies undertaken within the proposed zone area. The sample sites for these studies can be seen in Figure 5. It should be noted that the middle section of the proposed zone overlaps with the existing zone which has previously been surveyed and commissioned as a marine farming zone and so is not covered in this document.

North-Western Section of Proposed Zone As part of the 2009 zone extension survey of the Soldiers Point lease (TAFI 2009a), TAFI performed underwater video and benthic grab surveys of the substrate in the north-western proposed zone areas. A map containing substrate sample locations can be seen in Figure 5. Video transects were conducted at sample sites 1–12, while sediment grabs were conducted at all sites.

The study found that:

 In all video drops the sediment was dominated by silt;

 The silt on the edges of the deep channel that ran through the middle of the zone generally contained large amounts of fine shell grit;

 Dead New Zealand screw shells (Maoriculpus roseus) and doughboy scallops (Chlamys asperrimus) were common in the south-western half of the assessment zone;

 Small burrows were visible in several of the video transects in the eastern half of the assessment zone;

 Benthic samples were found to contain dark olive silt throughout the zone, with the exception of the silt at site 5, which was dark olive to black and had a strong sulphur smell; and

 The majority of benthic samples contained fine shell grit and/or large shell fragments, with the large shell fragments including dead commercial and doughboy scallop shells. Table 2 summarises the sediment samples taken by TAFI in 2009.

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Figure 5 Sample Sites and Habitat Zone

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Table 2 Sediment sample descriptions for the fifteen sediment samples taken within the north-western section of the proposed marine farming zone at Soldiers Point (TAFI 2009a)

Site Depth Description

Dark olive silt with small amount of sand, no smell, fine shell fragments and larger dead scallop fragments, dead New Zealand screw shells (Maoriculpus roseus), several polychaetes, and small 1 17 metres shrimps.

Dark olive silt, no smell, large amounts of fine shell fragments, large fragments of dead doughboy 2 24 metres scallop, and some dead New Zealand screw shells.

3 21 metres Dark olive silt, no smell, dead scallop shell, large live oysters, ascidians, and small sponges.

Dark olive silt, no smell, some fine shell grit, dead commercial and doughboy scallop shell, dead 4 23 metres New Zealand screw shells, and numerous brittle stars.

Dark olive to black sediment, strong sulphur smell, some fine shell fragments including dead oyster, 5 26 metres large number of polychaetes, and isopods.

Dark olive silt, no smell, very little shell grit, large number of polychaetes, single specimen of 6 29 metres introduced bivalve Corbula gibba.

Dark olive silt, no smell, fine shell grit, dead doughboy scallops, dead New Zealand screw shells, 7 24 metres purple amphipods, and small sponges.

Dark olive silt, no smell, some shell grit, a few dead New Zealand screw shells with hermit crabs, and 8 19 metres pumpkin sponge (Tethya sp?).

Dark olive silt, no smell, some shell grit, dead New Zealand screw shells, several polychaetes, and 9 26 metres small Callianasid shrimps.

Dark olive silt, no smell, some shell grit including dead commercial scallop, dead New Zealand screw 10 23 metres shells, several brittle stars, some polychaetes, and dead Corbula gibba.

Dark olive silt, no smell, some shell grit including dead commercial scallops, and cockles, dead New 11 19 metres Zealand screw shells, one brooch shell (Neotrigonia margaritacea), and small bryozoans.

Dark olive silt, no smell, shell fragments including commercial and doughboy scallops, small dead New Zealand screw shells, dead Corbula gibba with one live specimen, small Callianasid shrimps, 12 17 metres brittle stars, and one polychaete.

Dark olive silt, no smell, some fine shell grit, dead commercial scallops, dead New Zealand screw 13 16 metres shells, one brooch shell (Neotrigonia margaritacea), a few polychaetes.

Dark olive silt, no smell, some fine shell grit, dead commercial scallop fragments, dead New Zealand 14 32 metres screw shells, several Callianasid shrimps, and a few polychaetes.

Dark olive silt, no smell, large amounts of shell grit and shell fragments including dead commercial 15 20 metres scallop, large number of dead New Zealand screw shells with hermit crabs, and several polychaetes.

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South-Eastern Section of Proposed Zone Sediment and video samples from a previous TAFI study (TAFI 2001) fall within and adjacent to the proposed zone area in the south-eastern section. Figure 5 shows the location of the relevant sampling sites from this study used in sediment assessment of the proposed zone. The results are summarised below.

 Site 10 lies within the south-eastern section of the proposed zone. Sediment samples show a thin layer of fine silt, olive grey in colour with shell debris, covering a layer of compacted silty clay. Moderate densities of burrows were visible along with faunal tracks. There were also clusters of solitary ascidians (cf Ascidia sydneiensis) and holothurians (cf Neothyonidium sp) noted in the video analysis. Brittle stars and New Zealand Screw shells (M. roseus) were frequently spotted in the video component of the study and also appeared in sediment samples from the site.

 Site 7 is located approximately 150 metres from the boundary of the proposed zone as seen in Figure 5. The site shows similar sediment composition to site 10, with a thin layer of fine silt sitting on loosely compacted silty clay. Moderate density of burrows and some faunal tracks were noted. Occasional erect sponges were recorded at this site.

 Site 8 is also approximately 150 metres outside of the boundary of the proposed zone and shows similar surface sediment composition to the aforementioned sites. Solitary ascidians and holothurians were noted here along with scallops and New Zealand screw shells. Substrate relief at all of the above samples was fairly even and silt was easily resuspended once disturbed.

Sedimentary sites in the north-western and south-eastern sections are fairly similar in sediment composition with the habitats of all sediment sites surveyed being dominated by silty substrates.

Updated Survey of South-Eastern Section of Proposed Zone TAFI was engaged in 2010 by the DPIPWE to perform a benthic survey around the south-eastern sections of the proposed zone following the discovery of a small section of dolerite reef (TAFI 2010).

TAFI performed underwater video and benthic grab surveys of the substrate in the south-eastern proposed zone area. A map containing substrate sample locations can be seen in Figure 5. Video transects were conducted at sample sites V1-V9 (see Figure 5), while sediment grabs were conducted at sample sites 1 - 13.

The study found that:

 A patch of dolerite reef was located within the study area, surrounded by unconsolidated substrate ranging from sandy silt to silt in the deeper sites;

 The habitat within the study area was dominated by sandy silt;

 Dead New Zealand screw shells (Maoriculpus roseus) and doughboy scallops (Chlamys asperrimus) were common in the areas of unconsolidated substrate;

 Many burrows were visible in one of the video transects in the assessment zone;

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 Small amounts of sponges, ascidians, seastars and fan worms were present on the soft sediment areas and grabs contained several species including polychaete worms, brittle stars and bryozoans. Small amounts of red algae were present at one soft sediment site (site 10);

 Red and green algae was present on the dolerite reef area along with small amounts of filamentous brown algae; and

 The sea whip Primnoella australasiae was common throughout the reef area along with several species of sponge. Smaller amounts of bryozoan were also present. Table 3 below summarises the sediment samples taken by TAFI in 2010.

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Table 3 Sediment sample descriptions for the thirteen sediment samples taken within the south-eastern section of the proposed marine farming zone at Soldiers Point (TAFI 2010)

Site Depth Description

1 17 metres Silty sand, no smell, lots of dead Maoricolpus roseus shell, some polychaetes and brittle stars

2 12 metres Silty sand, no smell, lots of dead Maoricolpus roseus shell, some dead scallop shell.

3 13 metres Silty sand, no smell, lots of dead Maoricolpus roseus shell, some dead scallop shell.

Silty sand, no smell, some dead Maoricolpus roseus shell, some dead scallop shell and some 4 15 metres polychaetes

Silty sand, no smell, some dead Maoricolpus roseus shell, some dead scallop shell and some 5 18 metres polychaetes.

Silty sand, slightly less sandy, no smell, some dead Maoricolpus roseus shell, brittle stars and heart 6 17 metres urchins

7 19 metres Silt, some shell grit, no smell, some dead Maoricolpus roseus shells and lots of brittle stars

8 20 metres Silt, some shell grit, no smell, some dead Maoricolpus roseus shells and lots of brittle stars

9 22 metres Silt, Some shell grit, no smell, some dead Maoricolpus roseus shells and some brittle stars

Silty sand, no smell, living bryozoans, some dead Maoricolpus roseus shell, some dead scallop shell, 10 10 metres some live red algae and Caulerpa sp.

11 14 metres Silty sand, no smell, some sponges, live bryozoan and red algae.

12 14 metres Silty sand, no smell, some dead scallop and lots of dead Maoricolpus roseus shell.

13 14 metres Silty sand, no smell, some dead scallop and lots of dead Maoricolpus roseus shell.

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Further comment was made regarding the dolerite reef by Dr Neville Barrett from TAFI who stated that: “The reef consists of a complex fractured dolerite boulder field on top (approximately 7.5 metres at the highest point) which continues down to approximately 10 metres of depth at which point the reef flank flattens out and becomes inundated with sandy silt. The reef top is densely covered in seawhips and several species of sponge. This type of reef and associated biota is particularly rare in the Channel region and such habitat would constitute well under one percent of the available habitat within the Channel”.

It should be noted here that Tassal has designed its proposal to remove the area that lies over the reef, allowing a buffer of at least 15 metres from the zone edge. The actual lease area within the zone is approximately 105 metres from the reef and the intention is for the closest cage to be approximately 180 metres from the reef. The moorings of the lease have also been designed to avoid any contact with the reef.

Table 4 below is a summary of the video transects filmed over the reef and surrounding substrates by TAFI (TAFI 2010). Locations of the sites V1-V9 can be seen on the habitat map in Figure 5.

Table 4 Descriptions for the 9 video transects undertaken within the south-eastern section of the proposed marine farming zone at Soldiers Point (TAFI 2010)

Video Transect Depth Description

Reef graded from patchy reef to unconsolidated substrate.

Reef with red algae and some Caulerpa sp. Sea whips Primnoella australasiae and doughboy scallops Chlamys asperrimus present. Some schools of Southern hulafish Trachinops caudimaculatus and one wrasse not identifiable to species level. V1 Unconsolidated substrate with lots of dead scallop shell and dead New Zealand screw shells Maoricolpus roseus. Dead shell providing hard substrate for sea whips Primnoella australasiae,

red algae and bryozoan. Some doughboy scallops present and one seastar (cf Uniophora granifera). Frommetres8 to down 10 metes

Transect changed from unconsolidated substrate onto reef then back onto unconsolidated substrate.

Unconsolidated substrate contained dead scallop shell and lots of doughboy scallops Chlamys asperrimus. Some sea whips Primnoella australasiae and red algae on dead shell. Some large V2 sponges present and some fan worms (cf Myxicola sp).

Reef substrate with red algae, and Caulerpa sp. Sea whips Primnoella australasiae and some doughboys scallops present. One cowfish Aracana sp., one wrasse (not identifiable to species level), Southern hulafish Trachinops caudimaculatus, one banded stingaree Urolophus cruciatus and one spider crab Leptomithrax gaimardii. From 10 metres up to 8 metres metres thento back 10 down

Transect changed from unconsolidated substrate onto reef then back onto unconsolidated substrate.

Unconsolidated substrate with lots of dead scallop and New Zealand screw shells Maoricolpus V3 roseus (dead) and shell grit. Some red algae and sea whips Primnoella australasiae on dead shells. Some sponges, ascidians, fan worms (cf Myxicola sp) and a sea star (cf Uniophora granifera) present. One leather jacket not identifiable to species level.

Reef substrate with red algae, sea whips, doughboy scallops Chlamys asperrimus and some bryozoan. From 11 metres up to 10 metresthen back to 12 metres

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Video Transect Depth Description

Unconsolidated substrate onto reef back onto unconsolidated substrate.

Unconsolidated substrate with lots of dead scallop and New Zealand screw shells Maoricolpus roseus (dead) and shell grit. Some red algae, Caulerpa sp. and sea whips Primnoella australasiae on dead shells. Numerous fan worms (cf Myxicola sp) some sea stars (cf Tosia sp V4 and Uniophora granifera). One sand flathead Platycephalus bassensis present.

Reef substrate with red algae, sea whips, doughboy scallops and spider crabs Leptomithrax gaimardii. One sand flathead Platycephalus bassensis. From10 metres up to 9 metresinto metres back 10

Reef momentarily onto unconsolidated substrate, back onto reef then onto unconsolidated substrate.

Reef with red algae, Caulerpa sp. sea whips Primnoella australasiae, and sea stars (cf Tosia sp). Filamentous brown algae growing on some sea whips and red algae. Some blue throat wrasse Notolabrus tetricus, a globe fish Diodon nicthemerus and Southern hulafish Trachinops V5 caudimaculatus schools present.

Unconsolidated substrate with lots of dead scallop shell, New Zealand screw shells Maoricolpus roseus (dead) and shell grit. Sea whips and red algae on dead shell. Sea stars (cf Tosia sp), fan worms (cf Myxicola sp) and doughboy scallops present Chlamys asperrimus. From 8 metres todown 10 metres

Reef on part of transect which gradually changed to unconsolidated substrate.

Reef with sea whips Primnoella australasiae and red algae. Doughboy scallops Chlamys asperrimus, sponge and a spider crab Leptomithrax gaimardii present. Southern hulafish Trachinops caudimaculatus present. V6 Unconsolidated substrate with lots of dead scallop and New Zealand screw shell Maoricolpus roseus (dead). Sea whips on some dead shell. Doughboy scallops, sponge, ascidians, a sea star (cf Uniophora granifera) and fan worms (cf Myxicola sp) present. From 8 metres down to 13 metresFrom 13 to down 8 metres

Unconsolidated substrate with some dead scallop shell, New Zealand screw shells Maoricolpus roseus (dead), sponge and one sea star (hard to identify but not Asterias amurensis). Some red algae on dead shell. V7 14 metres

Unconsolidated substrate with dead scallop shell, New Zealand screw shells Maoricolpus roseus (dead) and shell grit. Some fan worms (cf Myxicola sp). V8 13 metres

Unconsolidated sediment appears quite soft (silt) lots of burrows and some dead New Zealand screw shells Maoricolpus roseus. One ascidian and a sea star (cf Uniophora granifera). V9 17 metres

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4.1.3 Hydrology A previous ocean flow study was undertaken within close proximity to the proposed zone (Aquenal 2000) for the original Soldiers Point zone baseline survey. This study indicated that ocean flows rarely stop in this area and have moderate flow strength.

The above study placed current flow meters at 6 and 19 metres depth within the existing zone. The results from the hydrology study show a flow that alternated between north-westerly and south-easterly directions with mean current speeds of 10.05 cm/sec and a maximum speed of 47.6 cm/sec. The study also found that flow directions were strongly influenced by tidal flows. Tassal deployed a Doppler meter within the proposed zone during 2009. The average current speeds between 2 and 20 metres from the period 30/11/2009 until 11/12/2009 are presented in Table 6.

16.0

14.0

12.0

10.0

8.0

6.0

4.0 Average Current Speed (cm/s)

2.0

0.0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 Depth (m) of Doppler Reading

Figure 6 Average currents recorded at various depths at the Soldiers Point zone for a 12 day period

4.1.4 Water Quality Dissolved oxygen and temperature measurements are taken on a daily basis by Tassal from within the current Soldiers Point zone. The 2009 dataset shows that:

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 The maximum dissolved oxygen concentration was 9.2 parts per million (ppm) at 5 metres depth, the minimum concentration was 6.2 ppm at the same depth. Over the year the mean dissolved oxygen concentration was 7.6 ppm; and

 The maximum temperature recorded at the site during the 2009 period was 18.5°C and the lowest recorded temperature was 9.9°C. The mean temperature for the twelve month period was 13.6°C. The general trends of temperature and dissolved oxygen during 2009 can be seen in Table 7, it can be seen from this data that as water temperatures begin to cool, the dissolved oxygen content of the water increases, which is consistent with expectations.

Salinity has previously been measured in a baseline survey of the Soldiers Point area performed by Aquenal (Aquenal 2000). The study classified the salinity levels as ‘marine environment’ with minor fluctuations in recordings over a 90 day measurement period.

20 9

18 8 16 7 14 6 12 5 10 4 PPM 8

Degrees Celcius 3 6 2 4

2 1

0 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2009

Temp © DO (ppm)

Figure 7 Average monthly temperature and dissolved oxygen readings for the existing Soldiers Point Zone 23 for 2009

4.1.5 Geoconservation Sites A desktop search of the LISTMap was undertaken and indicates that there are no sites listed as having geoconservation significance within the proposed zone or its immediate surrounds.

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4.1.6 Wind and Wave Conditions As can be seen in Figure 1 the proposed zone is protected from direct open ocean swells. The proposed zone sits north of a large open body of water within the channel and is subject to localised wind swell from the south, south-west and westerly directions. The proposed zone sits far enough away from the land that minimal wind buffering would occur. Previous studies in the area by Aquenal (2000) noted the tidal flow as being of a moderate speed and predominately a north-westerly/south-easterly flow.

4.2 Flora and Fauna Several previous ecological studies have been conducted at the current Soldiers Point marine farming zone, the proposed zone and surrounding areas. Previous studies by Aquenal and TAFI outline the ecological characteristics of the area. These previous studies are discussed below and describe the flora and fauna present at the proposed zone.

4.2.1 Marine Vegetation The original Soldiers Point baseline study conducted by Aquenal (2000) adjacent to the proposed zone extension, found small amounts of algae in the area, namely:

 Occasional free floating brown algae;

 Intermittent patches of filamentous green and brown algae; and

 A small patch of seagrass adjacent to the existing and proposed zone. A survey performed at the north-western section of the proposed zone extension by TAFI in 2009 found that the area was characterised by silty sediments. No algae or seagrass was evident during the 2009 video survey of this area.

A survey performed around the south-eastern section of the proposed zone extension by TAFI in 2010 found small amounts of several species of algae including Caulerpa sp. and red algae on the soft sediment areas. The nearby reef area contained small amounts of red algae, filamentous brown and Caulerpa sp.

With the soft sediment nature of the proposed zone area algae is not a dominant presence.

4.2.2 Benthic Fauna Video surveys and sediment grabs were used to asses the benthic fauna in the north-western and south- eastern areas of the proposed zone by TAFI in 2009 & 2010 (TAFI 2009a, TAFI 2010). The video survey description results show relatively consistent benthic ecologies throughout the proposed zone. Benthic fauna identified in the proposed zone video surveys include:

 New Zealand screw shells (Maoriculpus roseus);

 Doughboy scallops (Chlamys asperrimus);

 Fan worms including cf Myxicola sp.;

 Small amounts of sponges, ascidians, bryozoans and the sea whip Primnoella australasiae;

 The spider crab Leptomithrax gaimardii; and

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 Native sea stars Tosia sp., the eleven armed sea star (Coscinasterias muricata) and the introduced Northern Pacific sea star (Asterias amurenis). Benthic grab faunal descriptions from the above studies can be seen in Table 2 and Table 3. Fauna present in the sediment grabs not seen during video surveys included:

 Several species of polychaetes;

 Small shrimps;

 Large live oysters;

 Several amphipod and isopod species;

 Hermit crabs;

 The introduced bivalve Corbula gibba;

 Brittle stars; and

 Brooch shell (Neotrigonia margaritacea). No specimens of the listed native screw shell Gazameda gunii were found in the benthic grabs in the north-western or south-eastern sections. Sampling intensity required for detection in the area of the proposed zone is covered in Section 4.2.6.

In the 2000 Soldiers Point baseline study by Aquenal (Aquenal, 2000), which surveyed the current zone area, benthic infauna laboratory identification was undertaken. The most abundant infaunal species found in the area were:

 The tanaid Kalliapseudes sp;

 The polychaetes Lumbrineris sp. and Capitellid sp1; and

 The introduced bivalves Corbula gibba and Theora lubrica. Around the proposed zone, the TAFI 2001 video and benthic grab survey found the following fauna:

 New Zealand screw shells (Maoriculpus roseus);

 Commercial scallops (Pecten fumatus) and Doughboy scallops (Chlamys asperrimus);

 The bivalves Amygdalum beddomei, Myadora cf brevis, Placamen placida and Nemocardium thetidis;

 Fragments of lace coral (Triphyllozoon sp);

 Worm tubes (cf Maldanid);

 Heart urchins (Echinocardium cordatum);

 Solitary ascidians and holothurians; and

 Brittle stars. A survey of the reef in the south-eastern section of the proposed zone undertaken by the TAFI in 2010 (see section 4.1.2) found dense populations of seawhips and sponges on the reef top section.

None of the fauna species found in site surveys are listed as threatened.

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4.2.3 Fish Several fish species were noted during a 2010 survey by TAFI at the nearby dolerite reef including wrasse, leatherjackets, Southern hulafish (Trachinops caudimaculatus), cowfish (Aracana sp.), banded stingaree (Urolophus cruciatus), sand flathead (Platycephalus bassenis), blue-throat wrasse (Notolabrus tetricus) and globe fish (Diodon nicthemerus). The survey also noted sand flathead in the softer sediment areas around the proposed zone. Annual benthic video surveys at the current zone have identified Jack mackerel (Trachurus declivis) and Red Cod (Peudophycis bachus) as well as some of the fish mentioned previously.

There are several other species that may occur in the area including: morwong, Australian salmon, Atlantic salmon, trout, barracouta, bream, mullet and pike. There is also potential for several shark species to enter the area of the proposed zone, including the Great White Shark, Seven Gilled Shark and Mako Shark which are known to appear in the channel from time to time.

4.2.4 Birds Habitats exist within the Channel region for a variety of bird species. Common birds in the channel area are summarised in Table 5. These birds have the potential to transit the proposed zone at Soldiers Point. Measures to decrease bird interactions with aquaculture activities are described in section 5.1.4.

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Table 5 Birds commonly observed in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel Region (DPIW 2007)

Common name Scientific name

Australasian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis

Black Swan Cygnus atratus

Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa

Chestnut Teal Anas castanea

Hoary-headed Grebe Poliocephalus poliocephalus

Little Penguin Eudyptula minor

Common Diving Petrel Pelecanoides urinatrix

Fairy Prion Pachyptila turtur

Short-tailed Shearwater Puffinus tenuirostris

Shy Albatross Diomedea bulleri

Australasian Gannet Morus serrator

Little Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax melanoleucos

Black-faced Cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscescens

Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris

Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo

Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus

White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae

Great Egret Ardea alba

Cattle Egret Ardea ibis

White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster

Swamp Harrier Circus approximans

Tasmanian Native-hen Gallinula mortierii

Pied Oystercatcher Haematopus longirostris

Sooty Oystercatcher Haematopus fuliginosus

Red-capped Plover Charadrius ruficapillus

Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles

Pacific Gull Larus pacificus

Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus

Silver Gull Larus novaehollandiae

Caspian Tern Sterna caspia

Crested Tern Sterna bergii

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4.2.5 Marine Mammals Whales occasionally move into the D’Entrecasteaux Channel. The most commonly sighted is the Southern Right Whale, which enter the channel usually in the winter months, migrating south over summer (DPIW 2007). Other whale species that have been observed in the region include Humpback Whale, Killer Whale and Pygmy Whale. There have also been rare sightings of Hector’s Beaked Whale and Sperm Whale. (DPIW 2007). The Southern Right Whale and Humpback Whale are listed as endangered under Tasmania’s Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 (TSPA). Under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBCA) the Southern Right Whale is listed as endangered and the Humpback Whale as vulnerable.

Bottle-Nosed and Common Dolphins frequently occur in the D'Entrecasteaux channel (DPIW 2007).

Australian fur seals are common in the D'Entrecasteaux Channel. Other seals sighted include the New Zealand fur seal (listed as Rare under the TSPA), southern elephant seals and leopard seals. Occasional sightings of sub-Antarctic fur seals and Australian sea lions have occurred in the channel area (DPIW 2007).

4.2.6 Threatened Species The Gunns screw shell Gazameda gunii, listed as vulnerable under the TSPA; has been identified as potentially inhabiting the proposed area and, as such, surveys for this species have been undertaken. Using DPIPWE guidelines for the search of Gazameda gunii in target study areas, a sampling intensity of 15 benthic grabs is suggested to be taken with a study area of less than 100 hectares. The surveys performed by TAFI in 2009 and 2010 included 15 benthic grabs within the north-western proposed zone area and 13 benthic grabs around the south-eastern proposed zone area which were assessed for the presence/absence of the endangered screw shell Gazameda gunii. There were no native screw shells found in any of the benthic samples, dead or alive, throughout the survey. Previous studies of the area by Aquenal (Aquenal 2006) and TAFI (TAFI 2001) have also failed to locate any specimens.

There is also the possibility of the presence of the endangered Spotted Handfish Brachionichthys hirsutus, listed as endangered under the EPBCA and the TSPA; No specimens have been sighted in the area through video surveys and annual video monitoring mentioned in this report.

Future assessments of the proposed zone will aid in monitoring for the presence of these species.

Through consultation with DPIPWE Threatened Species Unit, it was identified that there was also potential for the intertidal seastar species Patriella vivipara, listed as vulnerable under both Tasmanian and federal legislation, to be present at nearby intertidal zones. The proposed zone is not in direct contact with an intertidal zone and hence is unlikely to directly impact on this species. There is potential for threatened coastal bird species to overfly the proposed zone and/or nest in the surrounding region. This is discussed in Section 4.2.4.

There is potential for threatened marine mammals to transit the proposed zone and surrounding area. This is covered in Section 4.2.5.

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4.3 Reservations

4.3.1 World Heritage Areas There are no world heritage areas listed within or around the proposed zone.

4.3.2 Ramsar sites There are no Ramsar sites listed within or around the proposed zone.

4.3.3 Marine Reserves There are no marine reserves listed within or around the proposed zone.

4.3.4 National Parks There are no national park areas listed within or around the proposed zone.

4.3.5 Other Conservation Areas Green Island Nature Reserve is located approximately 1.25 km to the south of the proposed zone.

4.4 Land Planning Aspects All adjacent areas to the proposed marine farming zone expansion, including Bruny Island and land to the west of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel are subject to the Kingborough Planning Scheme 2000 (the Scheme). The location of the proposal, however, falls outside the Scheme Area. The Scheme Area is defined under Clause 1.3 of the Scheme as’…the Municipal area of Kingborough as depicted in Registered Plan 2478 dated 19 June 1992 in addition to that area contained within the thick black line on the Scheme plans’. Figure 8 below shows adjacent land subject to the Scheme Area and the existing marine farm zones that fall outside this area. The proposal does not fall within the scope of the Scheme.

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Figure 8 Kingborough Planning Scheme area and existing marine farming zones. Sited the LIST 20/01/2010

4.4.1 Land Tenure An area adjacent to the proposed zone, and occupying a large area of North Bruny, is ‘Murrayfield Station’, a farm owned by the Indigenous Land Corporation. The station occupies all of the foreshore area to the north-east and east of the proposed zone. Directly to the north of the proposed zone is the settlement of Apollo Bay which consists predominantly of a privately owned shack settlement around the foreshore, with some larger allotments directly inland of the settlement. Umbrella Point, Snake Island and Green Island, which are all Crown Land, also lie within proximity to the proposed zone.

4.4.2 Land Zoning The land mass immediately to the north and north-east, as well as Snake Island and Green Island, is primarily zoned “Environmental Management”, with the strip around the foreshore zoned “Recreational”. The greater part of north Bruny, beyond the land directly adjacent to the proposal, is a mix of “Environmental Management” and “Primary Industries”. Similarly, land lying to the west of the Channel is zoned “Primary Industries” along the foreshore and “Environmental Management” beyond.

4.4.3 Land Use Residential and agricultural zones are located to the north of the proposed marine farming zone extension, and have been described above. A visual impact assessment has been prepared in association with this document, the results of which are discussed in Section 5.2.1.

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4.5 Maritime Aspects

4.5.1 Commercial Shipping TasPorts was contacted and reported that the proposed zone and lease expansion will not pose an impediment to ships following the established shipping route through the D’Entrecasteaux Channel (refer to Figure 9). The commercial ships passing through the channel area are predominately tourist cruise vessels.

4.5.2 Recreational Boating MAST has indicated that there are a range of recognised anchorages within the general region, including Snake Island, Missionary Bay, Ford Bay and Little Fancy Bay, but none within or immediately adjacent to the proposed zone. Access will still be available to these anchorage sites following expansion of the zone.

4.5.3 Commercial Fishing The only species that are commercially fished in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel are abalone, periwinkles and sea urchins. While the taking of these species is allowed, DPIPWE suggests that the channel area is rarely used for this activity.

4.5.4 Recreational Fishing TARFish was contacted in regard to recreational fishing activities in and around the proposed zone and reports the following:

 The general area is a popular fishing location;  Types of recreational fishing activities include boat angling (trolling and bottom fishing) and recreational scallop diving; and  Major angling species include Flathead, Australian salmon, Atlantic salmon, squid and reef species.

4.5.5 Recreational Activities Recreational activities that are known to take place in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel area near to the proposed zone include the following;

 Fishing;  Boating / Sailing;  Diving;  Kayaking; and  Walking. The land closest to the proposed zone on Bruny Island is fairly limited in terms of the recreational activities available. The majority of the above mentioned activities occur on the opposite coast on mainland Tasmania and in the waters around the proposed zone.

There are potential land areas adjacent to the proposed zone that could be suitable for wildlife spotting.

Recognised anchorages used for recreational boating are mentioned in section 4.5.2.

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Figure 9 Proposed Zone Location with Respect to Shipping Channel

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4.6 Tourism

4.6.1 Land-based The majority of the land-based tourism in the vicinity of the proposed zone occurs in and around Woodbridge on the Tasmanian mainland.

Restaurants and cafes in the area include:

 Fleurty’s Café, Woodbridge;  Peppermint Bay, Woodbridge; and  Grandvewe Cheeses Cafe, Birchs Bay. Accommodation businesses in the area include:

 The Old Woodbridge Rectory, Woodbridge;  Telopea, Woodbridge;  Woodbridge Country Retreat, Woodbridge;  Peppermint Ridge Retreat, Woodbridge; and  Orchard Lea Guest House, Woodbridge. There are several unofficial roadside lookouts near the Woodbridge area which overlook the channel region, including the proposed zone.

There are no major official walks or treks in the Woodbridge area or on the Bruny Island land area directly adjacent to the proposed zone.

Tasair operate scenic flights over the Bruny Island and channel area seasonally.

4.6.2 Marine-based Boat cruises that operate in the channel area nearby to the proposed zone include:

 Bruny Island Cruises;  Bruny Wildlife Adventures;  The Bruny Island Ferry Service;  Peppermint Bay Cruises; and  Woodbridge Marine Centre. The first two cruises mentioned above mainly operate on the eastern side of Bruny island (these cruises incorporate wildlife spotting), the Bruny Island Ferry Service is operated only from Kettering to Roberts Point on Bruny Island and Peppermint Bay Cruises operate mainly within the D’Entrecasteaux Channel itself. The Woodbridge Marine Centre operates educational cruises in the channel area.

The area around the proposed zone is not a particularly popular tourism scuba diving area; it is primarily used by recreational divers for the purpose of fishing.

A company located in the Kettering marina, Roaring 40’s, operate guided kayaking tours in the channel area.

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5. Potential Effects and their Management

5.1 Impacts on the Natural Environment

5.1.1 Water Quality Adequate water quality is a fundamental requirement for the marine farming of salmonids. Marine farming activities however have the potential to cause deterioration in water quality with the severity of the changes strongly linked to the type and intensity of the farming operations, and more importantly, the capability of the receiving environment to buffer impact (Black 2001). Reviews of the existing literature on the impacts of aquaculture (see Munday et al. 1992; Gowen and Rosenthal 1993; Wu 1995; Black 2001) essentially report similar conclusions.

Nutrient emissions associated with the marine farming of fish can result in changes in water quality on a local and / or broad scale. The release of nutrients into the environment from finfish culture facilities is largely associated with exogenous feed input (De Pauw & Joyce 1991; Handy & Poxton 1993; Pillay 1995). The composition and relative production of solid and soluble wastes varies according to the nutritional requirements of stock, the digestibility of the feed and efficiency of feeding practices (ICES 1995; Cho and Bureau 1997). The extent of changes to water quality associated with nutrient emissions from finfish culture is primarily a function of existing water quality, the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the receiving environment and the characteristics of the marine farming operations, particularly stocking densities and levels of feed input (Ackerfors and Enell 1994; Black 2001).

Soluble wastes associated with finfish culture that are released into the marine environment include ammonia, phosphorous and dissolved organic carbon. The Huon Estuary Study (HES), assessed the sources, distribution and cycling of nutrients (including those from finfish farming) in the Huon River estuary (Butler et al. 2000). These estimations were subsequently updated through the Aquafin CRC biogeochemical modelling of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and Huon Estuary. Wild Allen et al 2005 estimated that 5 percent and 0.8 percent of the total feed discharged by fish (providing that no over feeding occurs) is nitrogen and phosphorous respectively. It was assumed that 85 percent of the nitrogen is dissolved in the form of ammonia and 15 percent is particulate labile detritus. The phosphorus was considered to be divided between particulate labile detritus (at a fixed Redfield ratio of 16N:1P) and dissolved inorganic phosphorus.

One of the environmental concerns raised in regard to fish farming is hypernutrification of the water column, since the combination of high stocking densities and feed inputs could potentially lead to imbalanced levels of nitrogen and phosphorous in the water column. Significant increases in feed usage and resultant nutrient emissions could potentially effect changes in the dynamics of the system, particularly in summer months when primary production is nutrient limited. This amendment proposes an increase in production within the proposed zone and this will be accompanied by a corresponding localised increase in nutrient emissions at Soldiers Point and decrease in emissions at Roberts Point.

Past work in Scotland has found that at most farm sites, enrichment levels are low and that algal production attributable to fish farm nutrients is small relative to that generated by marine and terrestrial nutrient inputs. Research also failed to conclusively establish a link between perceived increases in

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Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and expansion of the fish farming industry (The Scottish Association for Marine Science and Napier University 2002).

Results from broad-scale monitoring of macroalgae adjacent to finfish farms in Tasmania in 2003 indicated that there was no localised increase in the densities of the macroalgae as a response to increased nutrient loads (C. Crawford TAFI, pers comm.). More recently, an honours project used macroalgae as a bioindicator of nutrient level changes in southern Tasmanian waters, in order to determine whether aquaculture leases are impacting on nutrient levels in adjacent waters (Oh 2009). The study found that aquaculture farms could potentially have some impact on macro algal assemblages up to several hundred metres away. It also found that several other factors could possibly contribute to the changes measured including natural variations in nutrient levels, changing ocean conditions and seasonal variation. More research is needed in this area to provide conclusive results to aid in aquaculture management plans. Assessment of water quality is usually based on measuring physico-chemical parameters including temperature, pH, light, dissolved oxygen, salinity and nutrients. All of these vary on a temporal basis and are subject to the movement of water e.g. currents, depth, tidal flow and weather conditions. Therefore a targeted, long term monitoring effort is required, together with modelling of the temporal and spatial variability of the data and water transport, to allow meaningful interpretation of the impact of farming on water quality.

A report by GESAMP (1996) stated that the acceptable level of change in any water quality parameter is generally unknown and the definition of impact level threshold is usually only achieved after data have been collected for a considerable period of time. They suggested that it was probably better to measure biological parameters. GESAMP (1996) suggested measuring chlorophyll concentrations to assess nutrient enrichment because:

 nutrient enrichment is not a problem in itself; and

 nutrient enrichment will only stimulate phytoplankton growth when that particular nutrient is the limiting factor. In most studies there is usually insufficient data to link nutrient availability to algal growth. Also the succession of algal species may be of significance, since species have different responses to different nutrient levels. The particular species present may be the most important factor in determining the nutritional value of the food, or impact of the algal bloom. Microscopic analysis of the species composition of the communities may be needed, or specific phytoplankton pigments may be measured as an indirect assessment of the community present.

The results of the HES study demonstrated the importance of flow and flushing rates of a system in relation to nutrient cycling and confirmed that problems associated with nutrient emissions are minimised where flushing rates are sufficient to dilute the nutrient load (Pearson 1995; Black 2001).

The level of salmonid marine farming operations in the Huon River and Port Esperance and D’Entrecasteaux Channel MFDP areas requires consideration of the system-wide impacts on water quality in these regions. A research project conducted through the Aquafin CRC (Volkman et al. 2009) undertook a whole of ecosystem assessment of environmental issues for salmonid aquaculture.

The key objectives of this project were:

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 Identification, characterisation and modelling of the key oceanographic and ecological features of the Huon Estuary and D’Entrecasteaux Channel and how these may affect or limit salmon cage farming, together with an assessment of possible industry responses;

 Inventory of the sources of nutrients in this region, including those from salmon farms, their spatial and temporal variation, nutrient cycling and impacts on pelagic and benthic production;

 Definition of the factors driving the phytoplankton ecology of this region, especially interactions among phytoplankton and zooplankton (including jellyfish);

 Determination of the role of carbon remineralisation in sediments with nutrient release into the water column in relation to the varying spatial and temporal environmental conditions; and

 Design of a new monitoring system and adaptive management strategy for use by industry and DPIPWE together with definition of associated indicators and standards. A three dimensional coupled hydrodynamic, sediment and biogeochemical model was developed and this provided the capacity to simulate seasonal cycling of organic and inorganic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous and oxygen through the ecosystem based on a range of known forcing factors. The model was validated using field data collected through a targeted monitoring program in 2002. Scenario based modelling was then undertaken to model the environmental effects of salmonid farms in the Huon and D’Entrecasteaux Channel MFDP areas based on temporal and spatial differences in feed inputs. This modelling was undertaken to aid planning by both industry and State Government managers.

Modelled responses were then considered in relation to whether a limitation on dissolved nitrogen output from marine farming operations in the Huon River and Port Esperance and D’Entrecasteaux Channel MFDP areas should be implemented. In December 2008 the Secretary DPIPWE determined the total permissible dissolved nitrogen output (TPDNO) from marine farming operations in the Huon River and Port Esperance and D’Entrecasteaux Channel MFDP areas and apportioned this total between those leaseholders licensed to grow salmonids at that time. This determination has been implemented through management controls specified in the relevant Marine Farming Development Plans and effectively places a cap on the production of salmonids in these areas which is considered to be at a sustainable level. It is important to note that industry has not yet reached the TPDNO limits specified for these plan areas.

While the Aquafin CRC biogeochemical model provided the capability to estimate the potential system- wide impacts on water quality as a result of salmonid marine farming operations it was also considered important that some level of water quality monitoring should be undertaken to assess how well the ecosystem is functioning and to enable the detection of any significant temporal trends in ecological indicators. The Aquafin CRC made a range of recommendations on the design of a monitoring system and adaptive management strategy for future management of the marine environment in the region. The salmonid industry in the Huon River and D’Entrecasteaux Channel MFDP areas is now participating in an ongoing broad scale environmental monitoring program (BEMP) which is largely based on these recommendations.

This monitoring program commenced in March 2009, with the results expected for assessment in late 2010. The results of this monitoring, together with other relevant research, will be assessed against the predictions of the system-wide modelling and recommendations for any amendment to the TPDNO may be made if required.

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As part of Tassal’s company policy, algal trawl samples are taken and processed twice weekly during summer months and once a week during winter to monitor levels of plankton within the current Soldiers Point zone. This process will continue and if levels of phytoplankton are high, fish feeding can be reduced or halted if required to benefit both the surrounding environment and farmed stock health.

Given the presence of strong tidal flows at Soldiers Point it is considered that soluble nutrient emissions from the increase in farming activity in the proposed zone would be well mixed into the surrounding environment. With respect to the Region, there will be no net increase in nutrient loading occurring as a result of this proposal, as outlined in Section 2.1.3, and hence Tassal will continue to operate below its DPIPWE assigned TPDNO apportionment.

Potential Nutrient Impacts to Local Reef As discussed in Section 4.1.2, a dolerite reef is located adjacent to the south-east section of the proposed zone. The reef was formerly unknown to Tassal, TAFI or the MFB and has recently (2010) been surveyed by the TAFI and subsequently excised from the proposed zone location, allowing at least a 15 metre buffer from the edge of the proposed zone.

Effects of up to 50% more cages and accompanying localised nutrient loads from feed, faeces and waste discharge are expected to be minimal due to the following reasons:

 Actual pen bays in the proposed lease area will be located approximately 180 metres from the dolerite reef which allows a considerable buffer distance, which in most situations is at a distance where historical compliance surveys by the leaseholder have detected no significant impact from aquaculture operations;

 The reef will be located at least 15 metres from the proposed zone edge;

 The area is subject to high tidal flows and wind swell and therefore it is not thought to be an area of high nutrient assimilation such as a sheltered bay; and

 The D’Entrecasteaux Channel MFDP area has a holistically managed TPDNO set by DPIPWE. The Region will have no net increase in nutrient inputs, as any additional input at the Soldiers Point zone will be followed by a corresponding reduction at the Roberts Point zone as discussed in Section 2.1.3. Tassal will consider incorporating the monitoring of the reef in future annual benthic video surveys. This will be discussed with DPIPWE as required.

5.1.2 Substrates and Fauna Benthic impacts are primarily associated with the settlement of solid waste products originating from marine farming operations where cultured stock is fed. Many studies have been conducted on the impact of marine farming on the benthic environment around fish farms with gross effects reasonably well established (Black et al. 1996; Hargrave et al. 1997; Crawford et al. 2002; Macleod et al. 2002).

The majority of exogenous feed is ingested and metabolised by the target culture species, a small percentage is uneaten and some may be deposited in particulate form on sediments under stocked pens (NPI 2001). Faecal material also contributes to particulate waste deposition, however this contains significantly less energy per unit weight than waste feed and therefore has less potential to effect organic enrichment related changes in sediments.

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Visible impacts of solid waste deposition tend to be confined to directly under stocked pens, evident as distinct “footprint” zones (Crawford et al. 2001a). Benthic monitoring and research conducted at various sites throughout Tasmania has shown that physico-chemical and biological impacts extend beyond this footprint zone, but are generally not discernible more than 35 metres from the edge of the pen (Woodward et al. 1992; Macleod et al. 2002; DPIWE 2004). Footprint of impact from in-situ net cleaning practices may not follow this pattern and will be a function of the location of the discharge stream from the net cleaner.

Essentially the impacts from solid waste follow the patterns of impact described for other organic pollutant sources (Pearson and Rosenberg 1978), but on a more reduced spatial scale. Recorded effects include reducing sediments, bacterial build up, marked changes in benthic faunal and meiofaunal assemblages in terms of species number, diversity, abundance and biomass, hypoxia in the water overlying the sediment, increased sulphate reduction and the build up and release of methane and hydrogen sulphide gas (Duplisea and Hargrave 1996; Crawford et al. 2002; Macleod et al. 2002).

In most cases infaunal communities undergo a series of successional/transitional changes resulting in an overall shift in trophic structure from filter feeders to deposit feeders, coupled with a significant reduction in species diversity and elevated abundance of pollution tolerant species such as Capitella capitata complex (ICES 1995; EAO 1996; Black 2001).

Recent studies by Edgar et al (2009) detected that salmonid aquaculture in Tasmanian waters had effects on benthic infaunal communities and sediment properties near farm leases. The study utilised two forms of sediment monitoring data collected by the Tasmanian salmonid industry, namely physico- chemical and benthic infauna, between 1997 and 2003. Effects detected by the study on sediments near farm leases included a decline in redox potential of sediments and an increased faunal dominance pattern and increased proportional abundance of capitellids.

The degree of impact to sediments is influenced largely by the rate of water exchange at particular sites, water depth, sediment characteristics, feed management systems, the physical characteristics of feed (eg settlement rate), pen size and pen separation distance (Holmer 1991; ICES 1995).

While these changes in sediment condition are localised, the time required for sediment recovery is variable and dependent on abiotic and biotic factors (Lumb 1989; Chang and Thonney 1992; Wu et al. 1994).

Benthic impacts are reversible and an impacted site can recover to background conditions, however the time taken for this recovery is dependent on a range of factors including husbandry techniques and environmental conditions in the region (Black 2001).

If sites are not managed properly, the cumulative effect of prolonged marine farming operations over the same area within a lease can lead to what is commonly referred to as “site souring”. Partially fallowed, impacted sediments deteriorate at a faster rate. In addition, sites tend to take longer to recover to transitional and background conditions if they are restocked with fish too quickly. For these reasons a proper site fallowing strategy is an important environmental and farm management tool.

It is widely accepted that the variation in benthic recovery observed is dependent on the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the system together with the duration and intensity of past production at a site and the level of impact at the time that site is fallowed (Gowen and Rosenthal 1993; Wu 1995; EAO 1996; Black 2001).

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With recent implementation of the in-situ net cleaning system developed in-house by Tassal, consideration must now be given to the effects of the effluent stream that is produced by the process on substrates and fauna. The waste streams from in-situ cleaning of non-antifouled and antifouled nets have been found to contain various levels of fouling organic matter, antifoul flakes and dissolved levels of heavy metals associated with the antifoul coating used on the company’s fish nets; the quantities of which are dependent on the organic fouling condition of the net and amounts of antifoulant paint remaining on the net. The dispersion and subsequent environmental impacts of the in-situ net cleaning effluent are largely unknown and more targeted studies such as the CFOC grant funded research initiative by Tassal and Huon Aquaculture will provide results in this area. This study is scheduled to commence in September 2010.

Feed control is constantly being improved by Tassal and will continue to be a focus for the company. Surface and underwater cameras are used to monitor feeding rates at all Tassal marine leases. This monitoring aids in the minimisation of feed wastage and resulting nutrient loading to substrates.

Benthic video surveys are currently undertaken at Soldiers Point by Tassal. These surveys are submitted to the MFB as part of the required environmental monitoring program to ensure sea floor health is adequately managed. Recent surveys have shown that there have been no significant impacts beneath the cages, despite the limited fallowing periods currently achieved at Soldiers Point. By increasing the number of pen bays from 16 to 30 (with a maximum of 24 being stocked at any one time) it will allow a minimum of 6 positions to be fallowed at any time. Further details of fallowing times are covered in Section 5.1.11.

The increase in the number of cages to be held within the proposed zone will result in a spatial increase in waste exposure to substrate and benthic fauna, however, concentrations of waste per pen bay are expected to decrease with the greater fallowing times allowed by this proposal as well as the more even spacing of bays. With respect to the Region, there will be no additional nutrient loading as any localised increase at Soldiers Point will be offset by a corresponding decrease at Roberts Point.

Also reducing the impact of waste on the seabed is the high circulation of water in this location, with current flows averaging 10.05cms-1(Aquenal 2000), which results in the flushing of the lease area on a regular basis.

Physical disturbances of substrates may occur from mooring systems, but will be localised to fixed mooring block positions. A properly designed grid mooring system will be installed that will be sufficiently weighted and anchored to prevent dragging of mooring blocks in the proposed zone.

There were no significant or listed values identified on the sea floor in the proposed zone in any of the site studies. Management practices may be altered by way of marine farming licence conditions in response to the results of monitoring programs for finfish farming operations.

In addition, management controls within the D’Entrecasteaux Channel MFDP February 2002 prescribe:

 that there must be no unacceptable environmental impact, to the satisfaction of the Secretary, 35 metres outside the boundary of the marine farming lease; and

 the manner of disposal of fouling organisms; and

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 furthermore Appendix B (Schedule 3) also provides specific detail on what are considered to be unacceptable environmental impacts.

5.1.3 Marine Vegetation Previous MFB literature reviews (DPIW 2007) on marine vegetation identified that:

 Directly below fish pens, environmental impacts are usually to a degree that will not allow the survival of marine vegetation on the seafloor;

 Marine vegetation is typically sensitive to environmental changes;

 Nutrient loading can increase the amount of algal epiphytes which can result in the smothering of marine vegetation; and

 Shading from fish pens can impact the growth and survival of marine vegetation. Other research in this area includes work done using macroalgae as a bioindicator to detect effects of aquaculture nutrient inputs (Oh 2009), as discussed in section 5.1.1.

There were small amounts of algae noted in a recent TAFI 2010 survey (TAFI 2010) in the soft sediment of the south-eastern sections. Given the absence of significant marine vegetation within the proposed zone, major impacts are not anticipated.

Regulatory Controls Tassal is obligated to observe the requirements concerning submission of annual environmental reports as mentioned in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel Marine Farming Development Plan (MFDP) 2002 (section 3.4). Annual video surveys under fish pens and surrounding compliance sites will note the presence of marine vegetation

5.1.4 Birds Birds can be attracted to fish feed on aquaculture farms and can be harmed by the use of non-compliant bird netting over pens which can lead to entanglement. Other problems that could arise are the reliance on food from fish farms which could alter the home ranges of birds such as raptor species (DPIW 2007).

In order to prevent bird predation on smaller farmed fish and the opportunity to scavenge feed pellets from automated feeders, Tassal has a company policy of using bird nets over all fish pens, which will apply to fish pens in the proposed zone. In order to mitigate for bird entanglement, Tassal use bird nets with a mesh size within the required limit of 115 millimetres on all cages. Bird nets are raised on a central floating pole system in fish pens to a height sufficient to stop birds from reaching automated feeders mid- pen. Taking away the potential for scavenging reduces the attraction to aquaculture farms for bird species. All feed stored onsite will be covered or stored in hoppers to eliminate potential bird feeding. Any accidental feed spills will continue to be immediately cleaned and stored to prevent bird access.

Bird netting will continue to be routinely inspected and repairs undertaken immediately upon identification of a hole.

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There have been no recent bird entanglement events at the existing Soldiers Point lease. It is not expected that the extra cages deployed within the proposed zone would provide greater potential for bird entanglements given that bird exclusion devices would be identical to those already used at Soldiers Point.

Regulatory Controls From D’Entrecasteaux Channel Marine Farming Development Plan February 2002:

 Management Control 3.12.6 Lessees must ensure any predator control of protected species is conducted with the approval of the Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Primary Industries, Water & Environment. From Marine Farming Licence – Marine Farming Lease No. 110

 Marine Farming Licence Schedule 3 Condition 1.6 Wildlife* interactions must be managed according to any Departmental wildlife interaction management protocols as may be amended from time to time, and any requirements issued by the Manager Wildlife Management Branch of the Department or any person acting on that person’s behalf. *as defined under the Nature Conservation Act 2002.

5.1.5 Marine Mammals Potential marine mammal interactions with marine farms may include (DPIW 2007):

 There is a potential for marine mammals such as whales to have their access restricted by farming structures;

 Dolphins have the potential to be caught during transit in aquaculture predator nets when in use; and

 Seals are attracted to fish pens by fish stock and also have the potential to be caught in predator nets when in use. Seals also have the potential to become aggressive towards marine operations staff if threatened. There have been no records of whales entering the existing Soldiers Point zone; the extension of this zone is not expected to significantly increase the risk of restricting whale passage in the area.

Predator nets will not be in use at the proposed zone, instead fish nets used will be stiffened and heavily weighted to prevent seal manipulation, this will eliminate the predator net entanglement potential to marine mammals in the area.

In order to mitigate damage of stock from seal interactions, a combination of seal exclusion, seal behaviour management and diligent farm operations will be implemented at the proposed zone.

If a seal does enter one of the nets, Tassal has the option to trap and relocate seals. The Wildlife Management Branch of DPIPWE, in consultation with sections of the marine industry and other interest groups, has developed a set of specific protocols to manage the risk posed to both the wildlife and human interests. These protocols address circumstances and procedures under which it would be appropriate to apply negative conditioning (methods to scare or deter seal from sites) to persistent seals, or to relocate individual seals.

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Negative seal interactions are a significant environmental aspect for Tassal and the entire industry. The ongoing management of this issue will be an important component of sustainability performance and reporting. As such, Tassal has recently employed a seal control officer whose primary role is to oversee preventative seal management measures within the company’s marine leases, in particular ensuring that fish pens are set up and orientated correctly.

In 2009/10 there were a total of four seal relocations from the Soldiers Point lease. The increase in the number of cages to be held within the proposed zone could lead to an increase in seal interactions at Soldiers Point, but seal numbers within the Region as a whole are not expected to increase as stock numbers will remain static. The mitigation measures utilised in the current zone will continue to be used within the proposed zone.

With the absence of predator nets in the proposed zone, no entanglement threats to mammals by nets will be present.

There have been no mammal entanglement events within the current zone. This record is expected to continue with the additional number of cages as the heavily weighted polar circle net method of fish farming results in very few, if any, entanglement events.

Regulatory Controls From D’Entrecasteaux Channel Marine Farming Development Plan February 2002

 Management Control 3.12.6 Lessees must ensure any predator control of protected species is conducted with the approval of the Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Primary Industries, Water & Environment.

 Management Control 3.12.9 Lessees must notify the Nature Conservation Branch of the Department of Primary Industries, Water & Environment in the event that any marine mammals are found entangled in marine farming equipment. From Marine Farming Licence – Marine Farming Lease No. 110

 Marine Farming Licence Schedule 3 Condition 1.6 Wildlife* interactions must be managed according to any Departmental wildlife interaction management protocols as may be amended from time to time, and any requirements issued by the Manager Wildlife Management Branch of the Department or any person acting on that person’s behalf. *as defined under the Nature Conservation Act 2002.

5.1.6 Threatened Species As outlined in Section 4.2.6, threatened marine species that could potentially inhabit the proposed zone include:

 The Spotted handfish (Brachionichthys hirsutus), listed as endangered under the EPBCA (1999) and the TSPA (1995);

 The Gunns Screw shell (Gazameda gunnii), listed as vulnerable under the TSPA (1995); and

 The sea star Patriella vivipara, listed as vulnerable under the EPBCA (1999) and the TSPA (1995).

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However, as outlined in Section 4.2.6, there have been no Spotted handfish or native screw shells identified during video or sediment analysis within the proposed zone or in the operational lease area during previous years. The sea star Patriella vivipara is an intertidal species and hence the proposed zone is unlikely to disturb this species.

Threatened marine mammals and birds have already been discussed in previous sections of this EIS (see Sections 5.1.4 and 5.1.5). Whilst it is possible that threatened or migratory bird species may overfly the proposed zone and possibly roost on the cages or other infrastructure, the existing bird netting has proven successful in avoiding bird access to the fish and fish feed. There have been no reports of bird entanglement or deaths associated with the bird netting at the existing Soldiers Point zone. As such, the addition of further cages at the existing site is not expected to impact upon listed bird species.

5.1.7 Geoconservation There are no recorded geoconservation sites or zones within or adjacent to the proposed zone extension and therefore there is no anticipated impact.

5.1.8 Chemicals

Antifoulants Antifoulant net paints have been utilised at the Soldiers Point lease since 2002

Antifoulant paints are used on marine vessels and fish nets within the aquaculture industry and are designed to slowly leach chemicals toxic to target organisms into their direct environment to inhibit growth of fouling organisms (TAFI 2009b). Areas of potential impact include the water column adjacent to the paints, accumulation in marine sediments directly under painted structures and bioaccumulation by flora and fauna. Apart from the heavy metal components of antifoulant leaching into the water, antifoulant paint flakes are also rubbed off and fall to the substrate below following the physical disturbance through the handling of nets or through in-situ net cleaning. Given the toxicity of the heavy metals used in antifoulant paints, namely copper and zinc, it is an area of consideration for impacts on local flora and fauna which will be a focus of the CFOC funded research project discussed in Section 2.5.1, which will generate mitigation controls and management plans for the solid waste component of the in situ net cleaner. Sediment residue monitoring at selected aquaculture sites within Tasmania has been undertaken for several years as part of the research permit requirements issued by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) to the Tasmanian Salmon Growers Association (TSGA) (PER 10924). Residue monitoring has so far revealed elevated levels of copper and zinc at marine farming sites when compared to non marine farming sites.

Copper is the most common metal used in antifoulants in the Tasmanian aquaculture industry. Different chemical forms of copper have varying levels of bioavailability towards organisms which affect levels of toxicity towards the organism. The amount of copper that is directly available to an organism, the bioavailability, through the environment has been shown to be dependent on the concentration of free copper ions (Cu2+) (TAFI 2009b). The bioavailability of copper is also directly related to the parameters of the receiving environment, including temperature, pH and substrate type (TAFI 2009b). It has been

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shown in marine waters that around 98-99% of copper is chemically bound to natural organic molecules with less than 0.08% occurring in the ionic form (TAFI 2009b). Acute effects of the release of antifoulants directly into the water column are thought to be not as significant as local sediment effects, with the majority of soluble copper molecules becoming incorporated into the sediment (TAFI 2009b).

A recent study was commissioned by the TSGA in which sediment was collected from a range of aquaculture sites and an assessment was made of copper bioavailability and ecotoxicity, (Simpson & Spadaro, 2010). Chemical analysis provided information on the form of copper in the sediment, and included total copper, dilute acid-extractable copper and acid-volatile sulphide. Information on the lability of copper was provided by measuring the release of copper from the sediments into seawater. Analysis of copper associated with the <61µm sediment size fraction was used to provide information on the bioaccessibility of the copper to benthic organisms that ingest fine sediment particles. The copper released from the sediments to the overlying seawater during the bioaccumulation and toxicity tests, and the accumulation of copper by the bivalves in the tests confirmed the presence of bioavailable copper in the copper paint contaminated sediments. Increases in copper bioavailability appeared to be strongly linked to increased concentrations of the more labile forms of copper and increased concentrations of copper associated with fine sediment particles. The chronic toxicity test results indicated that the upper guideline value of 270mg/kg of total Cu could be used conservatively to manage the risks associated with the copper contamination in sediments associated with aquaculture leases. However the study also indicated that it would be feasible to, and more useful to, derive site-specific guidelines based on Acid Extractable Copper, which would better represent the bioavailability of copper in the sediments and provide a more predictive method for managing the risks associated with copper paint contaminated sediments.

For fish nets, Tassal use the antifoulant Hempanet Medium, which is authorised for use in the marine environment by way of a APVMA research permit. This is the predominant net antifoul paint product used in the Tasmanian aquaculture industry and accounts for around 99.5% of net antifoulant applications

(TAFI 2009b). This particular brand of paint contains a cuprous oxide (Cu2O) concentration of 196 g/L (12.5-15%) (TAFI 2009b). Other chemicals in this paint include Xylene and a solvent based Zinc oxide (3-5 %). The 120 metre fish pen nets to be used within the proposed zone take approximately 1000L of antifoulant paint to coat sufficiently for one marine cycle (DPIW 2007).

At the existing Soldiers Point lease a combination of fish nets coated with antifoulant paint are used together with monofilament nets which do not require antifoulant but are cleaned in-situ on a more regular basis than the antifouled nets. A similar system will be employed for the expanded zone, with a combination of antifouled and monofilament nets. Historically antifouled nets were removed every 12-24 months (depending on location and degree of fouling) and subsequently washed at appropriate licensed net washing facilities where they received a reapplication of antifoulant paint for redeployment to marine leases. With the use of the in-situ net cleaner the antifouled nets are expected to remain at sea for a longer period and eventually be phased out in favour of monofilament nets. Tassal aims to stop using antifoulants in farming operations and have developed in-situ net cleaning technology in-house - the Mobile Inspector Cleaner (MIC) - which is providing a solution to the need for copper treated nets. The MIC uses high pressure cleaning and vacuuming to remove biofouling from nets so that they do not need to be treated with copper antifoulant. This technology has been shared with the rest of the Tasmanian industry and has created much interest internationally after recently winning the Aquavision 2010 Innovation award in Norway. In addition, Tassal in partnership with Huon

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Aquaculture have recently received a CFOC Grant for a project that will operate in conjunction with the implementation of the new MIC technology. This project will produce industry best practice guidelines which will be developed for the management of net bio-fouling, to improve water quality by minimising chemical antifoulant, nutrient and sediment discharge. New net management practices will be trialled at multiple sites across southern Tasmania and will develop, demonstrate and implement an optimum net management regime to farmers and result in minimising environmental impacts. Tassal and industry are committed to undertaking the research necessary to quantify loading, assess risks, implement mitigation measures and develop best practice management guidelines.

It is acknowledged that the proposed expansion at Soldiers Point will increase the antifoulant exposure at this site due to an increased number of antifouled nets required. The number of new pens that will use antifouled nets is a maximum of 10 pens (including bathing liner cages), but monofilament nets may also be utilised which could significantly reduce this number. However, as outlined in section 2.1.3, the new cages at Soldiers Point will be taken from the existing lease at Roberts Point, therefore avoiding any net increase of antifoulants within the overall Region.

For boat hulls, normal commercially available antifouling paints are used. Boat hulls are painted as required and will be removed from the water before old antifoulant is removed for repainting. Antifoulant exposure from boat hulls within the current zone has been present since the inception of the zone and is largely an unavoidable exposure in most marine industries.

As Soldiers Point is a well flushed site and is not contained by tight coves or bays, it is not anticipated that there will be significant additional build up of antifoulants in the system as compared to the current scenario of stocking at Soldiers Point and Roberts Point leases.

Sediment contaminant monitoring was conducted at Soldiers Point in August 2003 and in September 2010 in accordance with regulatory (DPIPWE and APVMA) requirements. In 2003 samples were taken at one compliance site, one control site and one farming site. Each of these sites was sampled in triplicate with all three triplicates being analysed for total Cu levels only. The 2010 sampling event involved revisiting the 2003 sites together with an additional compliance site and a further five cage sites (Table 6). The sampling design was also modified to provide more certainty in obtaining representative copper levels, particularly at actively farmed cage sites.

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Table 6 Copper levels in Soldiers Point sediment samples 2003 & 2010 Note that “Locations” are defined as: Compliance = 35 m from lease boundary, Control = approximately 700 m from lease boundary and Farming Activity = pen site)

2003 2010 Sample mean Cu Sample mean Cu Location ID concentration ID concentration (mg/kg) (mg/kg) ± SD ±SD Control TSOS7 6.0 ±1.0 TSOS7 7.7 ±0.6 Compliance TSOS1 6.0 ±1.0 TSOS1 7.0 ±0.0 TSOS2 12.3 ±3.2

Farming Activity TSOA 14.7 ±7.0 TSOA 40.0 ±21.2 TSOB 96.5 ±38.9

TSOC 100.0 ±2.8

TSOD 123.0 ±94.8

TSOE 29.5 ±10.6

TSOF 56.0 ±39.6

Significant temporal changes in Cu levels at the compliance and control sites were not evident in the 2010 results, however Cu levels at a newly established compliance site were slightly higher than levels observed nearby in 2003. Should the proposed expansion be successful, new compliance sites will be established and baseline sediment samples collected prior to development to allow for future comparative analysis in accordance with regulatory requirements. The 2010 results confirm that there has been an increase relative to background sediment copper levels at cage sites. While there has been an increase in Cu levels within the lease area over time, the levels are below the allowable threshold level of 270 mg/kg stated in marine farming licence conditions.

Should future monitoring of the lease area identify sediments with levels exceeding this threshold level, the following adaptive management strategies are available to Tassal: 1. Immediate removal of antifouled nets in exceeded positions and replacement with non-antifouled nets,and

2. Fallowing of that position and re-sampling over time to demonstrate that the sediments are/have recovered.

Tassal is phasing out the use of antifoulant paints on nets across all its leases, with a target date of 2015 to be completely moved over to non-treated nets. Currently, 32% of Tassal’s nets are non-treated.

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Antibiotics The following information is a brief summary of the findings of a report compiled by TAFI (TAFI 2009b) on the potential effects of antibiotics on local ecologies. Antibiotics are used in aquaculture to counteract the effects of bacterial pathogens and have been in use for several years in the Tasmanian industry. The antibiotics are prescribed by a veterinarian and administered to fish stock through incorporation into or application on to fish feed pellets. The main areas of concern are the effects of these antibiotics on non-target organisms, development of resistance in species and environmental persistence. Uptake of antibiotics by non target species could occur by ingestion of feed pellets and faeces located on the sediment under target fish pens and also in the water column.

In 2007 the Tasmanian Public and Environmental Health Service (Department of Health and Human Services) engaged Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) to undertake a risk assessment for Oxytetracycline (OTC) levels in both wild fish and farmed medicated Atlantic Salmon (FSANZ, 2007). OTC is the commonly prescribed antibiotic used in salmon farming. The study examined the OTC residue levels from the flesh of several fish species, including flathead and mackerel (common channel species) 10, 15 and 70 days post treatment, and related the highest found residue levels in these samples to the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for OTC in humans (0.03 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day). The numbers from this research suggest that for the average adult, 33 serves of salmon, 22 serves of mackerel or 212 serves of flathead would have to be consumed daily to exceed the ADI. The report concludes that based on the residual levels observed and at the current Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) for salmonids of 0.2 milligrams per kilogram, there is no public health risk associated with the consumption of farmed salmon or wild fish caught in surrounding areas.

Antibiotics will be used only if necessary within the proposed zone and only with veterinary approval. The previous year’s usage of antibiotics within the existing Soldiers Point zone is summarised in Table 7. It should be noted that there has been no additional antibiotic use at the site since the last dosage in April 2009. In order to limit the amount of medicated feed wasted, Tassal use strict feeding protocols including the use of underwater video cameras and also monitor surface response of stock to regulate feed rates. As there will be no net increase in fish stock numbers, with stock for the proposed zone being relocated from the nearby Roberts Point lease, antibiotic use is predicted to remain constant and if anything decrease, owing to the year class separation allowed by the zone expansion. Whilst medicated, fish will be monitored closely by technical staff to track health progress and antibiotic dosage information will be recorded for future reference. Any fish treated will be subject to strict withholding periods prior to harvest to ensure the antibiotic residue in the salmon flesh is at an acceptable residue level.

Table 7 Usage of antibiotics within current Soldiers Point zone for 2009

Quantity of Treatment Approx. Tonnes of Date Drug medication (kg) Disease Duration Fish treated

18/02/2009 OTC* 50 Enteric Vibriosis 5 Days 125

9/04/2009 OTC* 200 Enteric Vibriosis 5 Days 508 *Oxytetracycline

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Other Chemicals Diesel fuel, unleaded petrol and oil based lubricants used on aquaculture farms have the potential to pollute surrounding waterways and harm local flora and fauna if spills occur. All of the above mentioned products are currently used at Soldiers Point and will continue to be used within the proposed zone, with the majority used to run work boats. Boats will continue to be refuelled at a land-based refuelling station to minimise the risk of chemical spill, all appropriate safety equipment and spill kits are located close to the station. All Tassal boats are serviced regularly and any hydraulic equipment inspected daily to minimise the risk of oil leakage.

Disinfectants used in aquaculture have the potential to harm local flora and fauna if released in large amounts to waterways. Generally the effects of disinfectants on the marine environment are poorly studied (Burridge et al 2010), however the disinfectants Tassal use are water soluble and of low toxicity when used appropriately. As part of Tassal’s biosecurity protocols, several disinfectants are used to minimise the transfer of pathogens between company regions (i.e. equipment from Macquarie Harbour to the Tasman region). Disinfectant foot baths are already in place on the feed barge within the current Soldiers Point zone, containing Quad Hygelene (Quarternary ammonium compound and surfactant). This chemical is used sparingly with only several litres used at a time within a suitable container on a barge, so likelihood of a spill into the waterway is low. The chemical Virkon (blend of an inorganic peroxygen compound, inorganic salts, organic acid, anionic detergent, fragrance and dye)` is used to disinfect farm equipment before transferral between sites. The chemical is sprayed sparingly and only in a controlled manner. The majority of the Virkon used by Tassal is used on land to disinfect farm equipment at proper wash down facilities. Quantities of Virkon used for the current zone are small and diluted greatly. Any quantities released to the environment in the current zone are so diluted their effects are thought to be negligible.

The chemical AQUI-S (Commercial name for a 50/50 mix of Isoeugenol and Excipient) is used in the Tasmanian aquaculture industry to anaesthetise fish stock temporarily in order to perform regular health checks. Spills of this chemical into the waterway could potentially affect flora and fauna coming into contact with the drug. AQUI-S is planned to be used within the proposed zone as part of regular fish health monitoring. The drug is administered mixed with seawater in very low dilution and fish are subsequently bathed in the liquid in order to anaesthetise. The bath mixture is disposed of by further dilution once fish health activities cease. With the amount of AQUI-S used in a fish sampling event, the risk of affecting surrounding flora and fauna should be negligible.

The increase of chemical quantities needed for the proposed zone, as per this subsection, will correspond with the increased number of cages utilised. This will result in up to a 50% increase in quantity, which will be offset by the corresponding reduction in chemical usage at the Roberts Point lease where fish will be transferred from. In the last 12 months at Soldiers Point site approximately <5 litres of Virkon, 7 litres of AQUI-S and 40 litres of Quad Hygelene were used. Tassal will continue to comply with the regulatory controls discussed below.

Regulatory Controls From D’Entrecasteaux Channel Marine Farming Development Plan February 2002

 Management Control 3.6.1 All chemical use must comply with the requirements of the Agriculture and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1995.

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From Marine Farming Licence – Marine Farming Lease No. 110

 Marine Farming Licence Schedule 3 Condition 1.8 Levels of antibiotics, or chemical residues derived from farm therapeutic use, present in sediments within or outside the Lease Area, are not to exceed levels specified to the licence holder by prior notice in writing by either the Director or the Chief Veterinary Officer, Tasmania.

 Marine Farming Licence Schedule 3 Condition 1.9 Prior to any stock being treated with therapeutants, the licence holder must advise the Director, and provide a copy of any medication authority specific to stock treatment that has been issued. The licence holder must comply with requirements to undertake any reasonable residue testing prescribed by the Director.

 Marine Farming Licence Schedule 3 Condition 1.13 Marine farming operations in the Lease Area must not cause the threshold levels listed in the following table to be exceeded within the Lease Area.

Table 8 Maximum levels of contaminants permitted under Marine Farm Licence Condition 1.13

Contaminant Sediment (mg/kg dry wt) Water Column (µg/L) Copper 270 1.3 Zinc 410 15

5.1.9 Species Escapes The Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is an introduced species and as detailed in a previous MFB EIS (DPIW 2007), escapees have the potential to:

 Compete for food resources against native fish in the channel area;

 Affect native fish numbers by predation; and

 Spread disease or parasites to native fish populations in the area. A report by FSANZ (FSANZ 2007) concluded that medicated escapees 10 days or more post treatment do not pose human health risks.

Naylor 2005 concludes that an occasional escape event of salmonids is a largely unavoidable impact of finfish marine farming operations. Tears in nets caused by fatigue and pen movement or by seal interactions are the most commonly found causes of escape.

Following a storm event in 2003 at Soldiers Point, approximately 30,000 fish escaped from the system farm that was in use at the time. The farming system at the time of the escape event was different to what is currently in use at the Soldiers Point lease. There have been no major fish escape events since 2003 event. Tassal has several strategies and policies in place to mitigate escape events from occurring. Net strengths are routinely checked for structural integrity and are changed if found to be under breaking strain limits imposed by the company. All nets onsite are inspected on a weekly basis by company dive teams to ensure no holes are present and also in order to spot potential weak areas of nets that may be subject to chafing by moorings and farm equipment. It is company policy that after large storm events,

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full farm checks are made to ensure the structural integrity of cages, fish nets and moorings. Headlines of nets are also routinely checked to ensure there are no net tears or areas of weakness. Cage moorings are replaced periodically to ensure their integrity and are checked by dive teams regularly. Any cage movements or fish transfers are closely monitored and pre and post event dive checks are performed as part of Tassal policy. Stiffening of non-monofilament nets through the use of antifoulants and the subsequent tensioning through weighting systems is designed to minimise seal predation and hence the lessening of the potential for seals to tear nets. Monofilament nets are tensioned in the same manner.

There is always a greater risk of nets tearing when cage movements occur; historically this has been the cause of several industry fish losses. With the introduction of the company’s harvest vessel for in-situ harvesting, the need for cages to be towed to processing facilities has ceased. This is one of the strongest mitigation measures for stock loss that the company has developed.

The additional transfers required to relocate the fish from the Roberts Point lease to the Soldiers Point lease for growout will increase the risk of species escape events occurring as with any cage movement, but it should be noted that the reduced numbers of fish per cage proposed to be towed will lessen the severity of an escape event.

The above protocols have lead to a minimisation of escape events across the company and improvements will continue to be made.

If escape events were to occur, dive teams would be called in to inspect potential escape locations and perform any repairs necessary. Also the DPIPWE would be notified (as per licence conditions referred to below).

Regulatory Controls From Marine Farming Licence – Marine Farming Lease No. 110

 Marine Farming Licence Schedule 3 Condition 2.5 The licence holder must report to the Director any significant incident of fish escapes within 24 hours of becoming aware of the escape. A significant escape is defined as any loss of licensed species to the marine environment in excess of 1000 individuals at any one time. (e-mail: [email protected]).

5.1.10 Disease There are concerns that diseases in aquaculture farms may have the potential to affect local ecologies in surrounding areas. One of the key drivers for this proposal is year class separation, which is recognised as industry best practise with respect to disease minimisation. Separation of year classes is predicted to result in a reduction in disease risk within the Region.

The most common disease affecting farmed Atlantic salmon in the D’Entrecasteaux channel is amoebic gill disease (AGD). The amoeba is a parasite and attacks the gills of farmed fish, eventually leading to fish death. The disease can be controlled by the use of freshwater baths in which the AGD cannot survive. Other potential diseases include a Rickettsia like Organism (RLO), which can be controlled by antibiotics, and Summer Gut Syndrome which is also controllable by antibiotics with the company in the process of investigating the use of probiotics as a means of preventing this disease.

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There is a risk of disease transfer from other Tassal farming regions throughout the state through equipment sharing. Tassal’s biosecurity protocols mentioned in section 2.4.3 are used to mitigate this potential transfer. Disease from imported national and international fish products is possible; however Tasmanian quarantine policies on imported fish products are strict and have so far prevented the importation of foreign diseases to the state. Historically, at the current Soldiers Point zone, AGD has been the major contributor to fish health issues as with the majority of sites in the D’Entrecasteaux channel. Tassal has a fish bathing protocol in which fish gills are routinely checked and bathing events planned. It is highly likely that fish placed in the proposed zone may also suffer the disease from time to time, however it is anticipated that as the proposal aims to increase the stock age at Soldiers Point, there will be an inherent increase in resistance and hence the proposed stocking plan should result in a lower occurrence of the disease.

There is little data available about the effects of AGD on surrounding ecologies.

Tassal’s policy for the Region is to keep fish stocking densities at a maximum volume of 15kg/m3, which is well below the maximum allowed density of 25kg/m3. This policy aids in minimising stress to fish stocks and hence helps limit the development of disease outbreaks.

Tassal has thorough biosecurity protocols in place that aim to minimise the chance of spreading disease from region to region as outlined in Section 2.4.3. Equipment transferred between sites is thoroughly disinfected and personnel are required to use foot baths on a daily basis. Harvested fish and associated bloodwater are contained within the company’s harvest vessel during harvesting on site, bloodwater is subsequently discharged to one of Tassal’s factories which contain waste water treatment facilities, thus minimising disease transfer potential between sites.

Regulatory Controls From D’Entrecasteaux Channel Marine Farming Development Plan February 2002

 Management Control 3.8.1 Lessees must notify the Secretary of any suspected disease in accordance with the Animal Health Act 1995.

 Management Control 3.8.2 Lessees must not intentionally release into State waters fish of species authorised in the relevant marine farming licence unless authorised to do so by that licence. From Marine Farming Licence – Marine Farming Lease No. 110

 Marine Farming Licence Schedule 3 Condition 1.10 Blood resulting from harvesting of fish must not be released into the marine environment.

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5.1.11 Solid Waste There are several potential sources of solid waste from aquaculture operations, including:

 Fish mortality events;

 Antifoul paint on fish nets;

 Fish faeces and feed wastage;

 Broken farm equipment;

 Rubbish from general marine operations;

 Organic net fouling; and

 Harvesting operations. There will be a net increase in most solid waste streams generated at Soldiers Point commensurate with a 50% increase in stocked cage numbers. However this will be largely offset by a corresponding reduction in solid waste at Roberts Point.

While Tassal farms have been cleaning up the local beaches around their operations for several years, these activities have now been formalised under the Tassal “adopt a shoreline” program. Each of Tassal’s marine farms has a designated shoreline in their area which they are responsible for keeping clear of marine debris. Cleanups occur at regular intervals (generally 6 or 12 months). Rubbish collected by Tassal has historically consisted of aquaculture, commercial fishing and household/domestic derived debris. Larger items (for example lengths of poly pipe) that occasionally wash up on the shore are collected immediately upon Tassal being notified by community members of its existence and location.

At the Soldiers Point lease, Tassal farm staff has regularly conducted cleanups along the adjacent Bruny Island coastline under our “adopt a shoreline” program. In addition to this work, staff from the Region have partnered with community based environmental groups to remove exotic northern Pacific sea stars from along this stretch of coastline.

Fish Mortalities Fish mortalities are removed from fish pens on a weekly basis by divers and collected in plastic bins onsite. The bins are shipped regularly to shore based facilities, where they are collected by a third party waste disposal company who use the mortalities to create fish meal and fish oil. As per an existing company policy, all fish pens in the proposed zone will be dived for mortalities at least once a week to ensure pens are kept clean. Tassal constantly aims to reduce the number of mortalities occurring within its aquaculture leases by means of best practice husbandry, biosecurity measures and by utilising only the best stock available.

Fish Faeces and Wastes Localised organic enrichment of sea floors under fish pens in the proposed zone will be unavoidable due to fish faeces; however the company has various policies to limit the amount of feed that is wasted during feeding events, namely the use of underwater and surface video cameras to monitor feeding rates of fish. Compulsory annual underwater video surveys will aid in the process of constructing fallowing strategies for the proposed zone. Tassal has also recently invested in a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) to allow more frequent under pen inspections which will provide feedback to feeding personnel,

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providing information on benthic health status and alerting staff to the presence of any wasted feed pellets. This is a continuous improvement area for Tassal and all reasonable measures are put in place to reduce this waste stream to the lowest amount possible inline with the companies best practise environmental management strategy.

Potential impacts of fish faeces and wastes on substrates and fauna are discussed in Section 5.1.2.

Equipment and Rubbish There is limited rubbish or equipment waste generated by the existing Soldiers Point marine lease. In comparison to land-based activities, the marine farming operations tend to produce limited quantities of solid waste. Any rubbish and debris from the current Soldiers Point lease is collected regularly by a service vessel and disposed of in a suitable manner. The extended zone and consequent extended lease will be maintained under the same process.

Harvesting of pens in the proposed zone will take place on the company’s harvest vessel which will contain any solid waste associated with the harvest process

Antifoul Paints and Organic Net Fouling Antifoul paints contain heavy metals such as copper and have the potential to harm marine life in the area if released into the waterway.

The localised effects of the dispersion of organic fouling and particulate copper from in situ net cleaning into the receiving environment have not thoroughly been documented to date and hence the mitigation measures required have not yet been identified. The CFOC funded research project discussed in Section 5.1.8 will generate mitigation controls and management plans for the solid waste component of the in situ net cleaning effluent.

The antifoul used on fish nets in the Tasmanian salmon farming industry is authorised through a research permit that has been issued to the TSGA by the APVMA. As part of the permit, monitoring occurs at several Tassal marine farm leases together with several Huon Aquaculture leases to measure sediment residue levels and to assess accumulation rates. The results of this residue monitoring will be reported to APVMA and DPIPWE as and when required.

As outlined above, the relocation of cages from Roberts Point to Soldiers Point lease will result in increases of copper, zinc and organic net fouling released through cleaning activities at Soldiers Point. However, it will not increase the overall copper, zinc or organic net fouling currently present within the Region. Tassal is phasing out the use of antifoulant paints on nets across all its leases, with a target date of 2015 to be completely moved over to non-treated nets. Currently, 32% of Tassal’s nets are non- treated.

Potential impacts on water quality and substrates are discussed in Sections 5.1.1 and 5.1.2 respectively.

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Regulatory Controls From D’Entrecasteaux Channel Marine Farming Development Plan February 2002

 Management Control Section 3.4 Environmental Controls Relating to Monitoring

 Management Control 3.7.1 Lessees must dispose of wastes from harvesting, processing of produce, removal of fouling organisms and production in a manner that the Secretary is satisfied will not cause an unacceptable effect on the ecology of the marine environment or nearby shorelines.

 Management Control 3.7.2 Lessees must fallow or comply with limits upon use of a lease area imposed by the Secretary under the Living Marine Resources Management Act 1995 if impacts unacceptable to the Secretary from solid or dissolved waste emanating from marine farming in the leased area in the marine environment. From Marine Farming Licence – Marine Farming Lease No. 110

 Marine Farming Licence Schedule 3 Condition 1.4 The licence holder must comply with any written request from the Director specifying waste disposal actions for the purpose of mitigating against any effect on the ecology of the marine environment or nearby shoreline associated with marine farming operations including harvesting, processing of salmonids and the removal of fouling organisms.

 Marine Farming Licence Schedule 3 Condition 1.5 All fish mortalities arising in connection with marine farming operations must be disposed of in accordance with relevant Acts and council by-laws.

 Marine Farming Licence Schedule 3 Condition 1.10 Blood resulting from harvesting of fish must not be released into the marine environment.

5.1.12 Liquid Waste There are several potential liquid waste sources associated with aquaculture farms as discussed in Section 2.5.2 including:

 Blood water from marine harvesting events, which, if spilt, has the potential to organically enrich surrounding waters and potentially spread disease amongst fish stocks;

 Black and grey waste water from crew facilities which could pollute surrounding waters if released;

 Soluble effluent from in situ net cleaning operations which release copper and zinc from antifoul paints into surrounding environments; and

 Soluble wastes from fish metabolism. Harvesting will take place on the company’s harvest boat which will contain all blood water associated with harvest events. There will be no increase in blood water as the amount of harvesting will remain the same. Black and grey water from the barge that will support crew from the proposed zone will be stored and collected by the company’s service vessel or by contractor vessels as required. This waste stream is not expected to increase as a result of this proposal. The in-situ net cleaner effluent stream contains dissolved heavy metals, namely copper and zinc, which can potentially elevate background levels in the surrounding water column and sediments. The mitigation

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and management controls for the liquid component of this waste stream, similarly to the solid waste section above, will be developed through the CFOC funded research project discussed in Section 5.1.8. With the use of non antifouled monofilament nets being phased in by Tassal, the copper component of this waste stream is expected to decrease across the Tasmanian aquaculture industry and eventually eliminated in the coming years.

There will be increased dissolved nutrients as a result of fish metabolism within the proposed zone. As the total farming capacity for the Marine Farming Plan Area is restricted by a nutrient cap (see section 2.1.3), there will be no net increase in nutrient loading within the Region as a whole as a consequence of this proposal. To date Tassal’s TPDNO apportionment has not been fully used. It is Tassal’s intention to continue to grow its business over time, in a sustainable manner, up to its TPDNO apportionment. This growth potential is present in the plan area irrespective of this proposed amendment.

Mitigation measures mentioned previously for feed wastage will be in place and strictly adhered to at the proposed zone.

Potential impacts on water quality associated with the liquid waste streams identified above are discussed in Section 5.1.1.

5.1.13 Introduced Marine Pests An EIS compiled by the DPIPWE in 2007 suggests several issues regarding potential translocation vectors for introduced marine pests in the aquaculture industry, namely:

 Inappropriate disposal of marine farming debris from aquaculture leases;

 Fouling on farm boats and ballast water discharge transferred between sites; and

 Translocation of fish pens around the state that may be fouled. The translocation of introduced marine pests has the potential to alter ecological balances of marine sites. Introduced marine pests also have the potential to harm fish stocks by predation and through the creation of toxic algal blooms.

Previous studies by Aquenal (Aquenal 2000, Aquenal 2006) and TAFI (TAFI 2009a) in and around the proposed zone have identified several introduced marine pests (IMP) within the proposed lease and surrounding areas, including:

 northern Pacific sea star (Asterias amurensis);

 New Zealand Screw shell (Maoriculpus roseus); and

 The bivalve Corbula gibba. The species identified are common throughout south-east Tasmania and pose no direct threat to the Atlantic salmon that will be farmed at the proposed zone. They do, however, impact the health and diversity of benthic communities within the areas they occupy. Restricting IMP spread into previously unaffected areas is a priority for Tassal.

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The following measures are employed by Tassal to minimise the risk of IMP translocation:

 Recent introduction of an on site harvest vessel. This reduces pen movements to and from processing sites and reduces the risk of fish pens acting as a vector for IMP translocation;

 Antifouling paint is used on all farm boats. This inhibits potential IMP growth on hulls and hence decreases the likelihood of translocation by this means;

 Biosecurity protocols separate the use of most equipment between regions and any equipment that is passed between regions is thoroughly disinfected prior to transportation; and

 All farming debris and broken machinery is collected and suitably disposed of on land which reduces the chance of IMP translocation by this method. With the above mitigation measures continuing to be employed company wide, the proposed increase in the Soldiers Point zone is not anticipated to lead to an increase in the risk of IMP translocation.

Regulatory Controls From Marine Farming Licence – Marine Farming Lease No. 110

 Marine Farming Licence Schedule 3 Condition 2.3 The licence holder must notify the Director in writing of the presence of any unusual or uncharacteristic marine flora or fauna found within the lease area (including any introduced marine pests).(email:[email protected]).

5.1.14 Marine and Coastal All impacts discussed in the above sections relate to the marine and coastal zone. Key potential impacts on the marine and coastal environment include:

 Water Quality impacts – addressed in Section 5.1.1;

 Marine Flora and Fauna interactions – addressed in Sections 5.1.2 to 5.1.5; and

 Threatened marine species impacts – addressed in Section 5.1.6. An assessment of potential effects associated with sea level rise or other climate change factors has not been undertaken nor is it considered necessary as any such effects will be industry wide and will not be affected by increased cage numbers at Soldiers Point and decreased cage numbers at Roberts Point.

5.1.15 Environmental Management Tassal is demonstrating its commitment to environmental and social sustainability through the development of its Environmental and Sustainability department and the creation of a Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) position which sits within the executive management team.

The Sustainability Team led by the CSO consists of an Environmental and Sustainability Manager, Environmental Technical Officer, Seal Management Officer and a Community Relations Coordinator, Tassal also works closely with a number of environmental specialists and local researchers.

The environmental responsibility and management for the proposed zone expansion rests with the Region’s manager and the company’s environmental and sustainability team.

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Tassal is currently implementing a new environmental management system (EMS) which will follow the ISO-14001 Environmental Management framework. This environmental management system is being combined with the existing quality management system and OH&S practices and procedures. This will be an audited, continuous improvement system that will rely on compliance and best practice for certification.

The new EMS will include components to educate current and future staff on environmental issues and procedures relating to aquaculture operations in Tasmania.

Tassal’s current documented procedures for the installation and maintenance of its marine farming systems will apply to the expansion of the Soldiers Point lease, as well as documented operating procedures for day to day running of the marine lease. All Tassal employees working on aquaculture leases are fully trained and inducted.

5.2 Impacts on the Human Environment

5.2.1 Visual

5.2.1.1 Introduction The indicative visual catchment of the proposed zone extension, as assessed in this report, is dictated both by topography and distance. Available views considered in this assessment cover the area of land from Kettering in the north, to Middleton in the South. The ridgeline that runs in a north-south direction approximately 4 kilometres inland from the coastline forms the extent of the indicative visual catchment. The visual catchment also includes areas on Bruny Island, particularly around Apollo Bay. Additionally, views to the proposed zone site would be available to water users, including both recreational and commercial boating activities.

Whilst there are potentially locations further afield that would fall within the view shed of the proposed zone site, the visual scale of the zone is considered of a size that would have a negligible impact on the landscape from these distances.

A visual impact analysis of the proposed zone and lease area was undertaken by driving the surrounding region and key vantage points, collecting photographs and preparing photomontages of the proposed expansion.

5.2.1.2 Existing Visual Setting Views towards the proposed zone site are currently available from residences and properties along the Channel Highway and surrounding roads. Whilst some views of the site are available from the Highway itself, these views are largely screened by vegetation.

The Channel Highway is a winding, scenic drive following the coast of the D'Entrecasteaux Channel. The Channel is a dominant element in the landscape and, from many locations along the highway; views are available across and along the length of the Channel to Bruny Island.

Modified agricultural land typically surrounds the Highway in this area; however the hilly terrain to the west is predominantly covered by dense indigenous bushland. In some sections the highway roadside is surrounded by vegetation.

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Small towns and rural-residential properties are scattered along the highway and surrounding roads with many of these located between the highway and the Channel, with water views and access.

Existing aquaculture activities do occur in the area. An existing salmon farming lease is currently operating on the existing zone area and, whilst limited views are available from the highway, is visible from numerous locations including rural-residential properties. The view of this existing lease varies with elevation and distance, with the circular shape and arrangement of the pens becoming more apparent as the observer gains height. This change is apparent from properties west of the highway that are located at a higher elevation than those on the east.

Whilst the existing salmon farming lease is visible from these locations, it is not interpreted as a dominant element in the landscape. Where views of the lease are available, the view also includes vast areas of water combined with a modified background landscape with varied vegetation types and rolling hills.

5.2.1.3 Assessment of Impacts

The significance of impacts have been evaluated using a combination of landscape impacts and visual impacts, as defined below.

Landscape Impact

Landscape impacts refer to the relative capacity of the landscape to accommodate changes to the physical landscape of the type and scale proposed that would occur as a direct result of the Project. Impacts have been assessed for the landscape character units and viewing locations (through professional judgement) in terms of the scale of visual change including:

The extent to which the change of features alters the existing landscape character;

The extent of area from which the effect is evident;

The duration of the effect (short, medium, long term, or permanent);

The physical state (or condition) of the landscape and its intactness from visual, functional, and ecological perspective. This includes consideration of the condition of landscape elements such as roadside planting or landscaping or features such as a distinctive building, or significant mature trees, and their contribution to landscape character; and

The effectiveness of any proposed mitigation.

Definitions used to describe this assessment are detailed in Table 9.

Table 9 Assessment of Landscape Impact

Landscape Impact Definition Large A substantial / obvious change to the landscape due to total loss of, or change to, elements, features or characteristics of the landscape. Would cause a landscape to be permanently changed and its quality diminished.

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Change is likely to cause a direct adverse permanent or long term (more than 10 years) impact on the value of the receptor. Moderate Discernible changes in the landscape due to partial loss of, or change to the elements, features or characteristics of the landscape. May be partly mitigated. The change would be out of scale with the landscape, and at odds with the local pattern and landform and will leave an adverse impact on the landscape.

Change is likely to impact adversely the integrity/value of the receptor but recovery is predicted in the medium term (5-10 years). Small Minor loss or alteration to one or more key landscape elements, features, or characteristics, or the introduction of elements that may be visible but may not be uncharacteristic within the existing landscape.

Change is likely to adversely impact the integrity/value of the receptor but recovery is expected in the short term (0-4 years). Negligible Almost imperceptible or no change in the view as there is little or no loss of / or change to the elements, features or characteristics of the landscape.

The existing landscape quality is maintained but may be slightly at odds to the scale, landform and pattern of the landscape. (The Landscape Institute and Institute for Environmental Management and Assessment, 2002)

Visual Impact

Visual impacts arise from changes in available views of the landscape that occur as a result of the Project. Visual impact is determined through the subjective assessment of sensitivity of the visual receptors and the magnitude (scale) of the change in view. Sensitivity is dependent upon receptors’ location; the importance of their view; their activity; expectations; available view; and the extent of screening of this view.

Factors that have been considered in assessing the response to changes in the visual amenity include:

Interest in the visual environment and their distance/angle of view to the source of the impact;

The extent of screening/filtering of the view;

Magnitude of change in the view (i.e. loss/addition of features that change the view’s composition);

Integration of changes within the existing view (form, mass, height, colour and texture);

Duration of the effect (temporary/permanent, intermittent/continuous); and

Effectiveness of the proposed mitigation.

Receptor sensitivity definitions used to describe this assessment have been outlined in Table 10 below.

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Table 10 Assessment of Receptor Sensitivity Sensitivity Definition High Occupiers of residential properties with long viewing periods, within close proximity to the proposed development

Communities that place value upon the landscape and enjoyment of views of their landscape setting Medium Outdoor workers who have a key focus on their work who may also have intermittent views of the Project area

Viewers at schools, or similar, when outdoor play and recreation areas are located within close proximity but viewing periods are limited

Occupiers of residential properties with long viewing periods, at a distance from or screened from the Project area Low Road users in motor vehicles, trains or on transport routes that are passing through or adjacent to the study area and therefore have short term views

Viewers indoor at their place of work, schools or similar Negligible Viewers from locations where there is screening by vegetation or structures where only occasional screened views are available and viewing times are short

Road users in motor vehicles, trains or on transport routes that are passing through/adjacent to the study area and have partially screened views and short viewing times (Landscape Institute and Institute for Environmental Management and Assessment, 2002)

5.2.1.4 Significance of Impact

For the purposes of this assessment, predicted impacts as a direct result of the Project have been described according to their significance, which is a function of the magnitude of the impact and the sensitivity of the receptor as detailed in Table 11 below. Only impacts that are considered to be of major or high significance are considered as significant for the purposes of this assessment.

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Table 11 Significance of Impact

Landscape Impact Large Moderate Small Negligible Visual High Major Significance High Significance Moderate Minor Sensitivity Significance Significance Medium High Significance Moderate Minor Significance Not Significant Significance Low Moderate Minor Significance Not Significant Not Significant Significance Negligible Minor Significance Not Significant Not Significant Not Significant

(Landscape Institute and Institute for Environmental Management and Assessment, 2002)

5.2.1.5 Proposed Built Elements The proposed zone involves an expansion of the existing zone and lease areas and an increase in the maximum allowance of salmon pens from 16 to 26, of which a maximum of 24 cages would be stocked at any time. The maximum of 24 stocked pens and two bathing liner cages for the proposed zone is outlined in a management control in the draft amendment.

The additional pens would be similar in form to those already in use on the lease. The additional pens will also be of a similar dark grey / black shade to the existing pens.

It is proposed that the current lease would be expanded in a linear manner, with two rows of 15 bays installed, rather than the current arrangement of two rows of 8 bays. Any visible change would be most apparent when the lease is viewed from side on. Such views could be available to receptors in Flowerpot and those residences located on Pybus Road and Mulcahys Road on Bruny Island. In contrast, when the lease is viewed from end on, any visual change will be minimal.

5.2.1.6 Significant Vantage Points Significant vantage points have been identified using aerial photography and topographic data. These vantage points identify residences and other sites that may be visited by tourists or recreational users. Whilst this is not a comprehensive list of sensitive receptors that may have views to the proposed zone, these vantage points are representative of others in a similar area.

Channel Highway For the most part within the visual catchment of the proposed zone, the Channel Highway is situated at less then 40 metres Australian Height Datum. This low elevation, combined with a viewing distance of, at the closest 3 kilometres, results in the existing lease being seen as a horizontal, linear feature. The low profile of the pens also contributes to this. Foreground vegetation obscures most views of the existing lease from the highway. At locations of the highway that provide side on views of the existing lease, the proposed change may be noticeable, however it would be expected to have a negligible to minor adverse impact on the view.

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Near Jesse Way, the highway rises to approximately 60 metres AHD and provides an elevated view down the length of the Channel to the cliffs of Fluted Cape, on the eastern coast of Bruny Island. The current lease is visible at a distance of approximately 4.7 kilometres from this location and takes a similar horizontal form to the small island beyond it, in the centre of the Channel. The existing pens have a negligible impact on the landscape, which is dominated by views of the foreground eucalypts, a large expanse of water and background horizon terrain. Due to the angle of the view, negligible landscape impacts and low sensitivity of receptors, it is not expected that the proposed increase in the number of cages would have a significant impact on the visual amenity of motorists on the Channel Highway.

Grandvewe Cheeses, Devlyns Road, Birchs Bay Grandvewe Cheeses is located on Devlyns Road, west of the Channel Highway, at an elevation of approximately 80 metres AHD. This vantage point is approximately 4.2 kilometres from the proposed lease extension. This elevation allows views to the Channel and beyond to Bruny Island. The foreground of these views comprises cleared grazing land and the dense vegetation along Devlyns Road and the Channel Highway.

The view over rural farmland and the Channel is a highly valued feature of the cheesery, with a restaurant positioned to take in these views.

The existing salmon pens are visible from this location and, whilst not a dominant element in the view, the individual pens and feed barge can be clearly seen in the Channel. From this vantage point, the existing lease is seen close to side on. Changes to the view as a result of the proposal will be noticeable from this vantage point, as the lease will be seen to extend in each direction. Whilst the cheesery would have an unobstructed view of the proposed lease extension, this is over a distance of approximately 4.2km. This receptor is assessed as being of Medium Sensitivity. Potential impacts on the landscape, when viewed from this location, are assessed as small and, as such, any impacts on the visual amenity of this receptor are expected to be of minor significance.

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Figure 10 Shows the existing view from the Grandvewe Cheesery

Figure 11 Indicative view of the proposed lease expansion from the Grandvewe Cheesery

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Waterfront residences, Birchs Bay and Flowerpot There are a number of residences in Birchs Bay and Flowerpot, primarily accessed from the Channel Highway, which are located on waterfront properties. Whilst the majority of these properties appear to have vegetated shorefronts, it is assumed that some views to the existing lease and the proposed lease expansion would be possible from these residences.

These vantage points are located at elevations very close to sea level (0 metres AHD), and this would have an impact on the views that would be available to the proposed zone and lease area. As shown in Table 12, the lower an observer is to the water, the closer a salmon pen appears to the background horizon. In the case of the proposed zone expansion, the background horizon is the vegetated shores of Bruny Island.

Figure 12 Taken from approximately 2 metres above sea level, this image shows a salmon pen, centre, blending in with background shoreline. The existing salmon pens would be visible from this location and, whilst not a dominant element in the view, the individual pens and feed barge would be visible in the Channel. They would, however, appear visually close to the Bruny Island shoreline when viewed from this low elevation. From these vantage points, the existing lease is seen close to side on. Changes to the view as a result of the proposal will be noticeable from these vantage points, as the lease will be seen to extend in each direction.

Whilst these residences would be considered highly sensitive receptors due to the duration of time spent at the locations by residents, their proximity to the lease and the value placed on the landscape outlook, any landscape impacts of the proposed change would be considered small. As such, the significance of impacts upon the visual amenity of these receptors would be considered moderate. A similar assessment would apply to the waterfront residences on Pybus Road and Mulcahys Road on Bruny Island that are at a similar elevation to those in Birchs Bay and Flowerpot.

5.2.1.7 Mitigation Measures Given the location of the proposed zone expansion, in an area of open sea, there are limited opportunities for screening views of the lease extension from sensitive receptors. However, the following measures will be applied to minimise adverse landscape and visual issues:

 Avoid the use of reflective materials on pens. Preferably use dark, flat colours to reduce long distance visibility of lease extension. Whilst traditionally land-based structures can be coloured to blend in with their background, the colour of the open sea can vary a large degree, from deep blues to silver grey, dependant on sun, cloud and wind conditions, as shown in Figure 13;

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 Except for navigation warning lights where necessary, no lighting will be used in the lease extension; and

 Pens will be removed from the lease and stored elsewhere when not in use.

Figure 13 Varied appearance of salmon pens against open water.

5.2.1.8 Summary Any adverse landscape and visual impacts as a result of the proposed zone expansion are expected to be of minor to moderate significance. The proposed lease extension will be seen in addition to the existing lease and will not be seen as an entirely new landscape element. The added pens will be more noticeable when the salmon farm is viewed from side on, due to the linear nature of the proposed extension. In addition to this, the lower in elevation from which the Proposal is viewed, the more likely it will be to blend into the background shoreline and vegetation.

As discussed in Section 2.3.4, boating activity is expected to reduce overall with the reduction in the amount of bathes required at the proposed zone and reduced deliveries of feed. The visual impacts of boat movements are expected to improve overall as a result of the proposed zone.

Regulatory Controls From D’Entrecasteaux Channel Marine Farming Development Plan February 2002

 Management Control Section 3.9.1: – Section 3.9.1.1 All fish cages, buoys, netting and other floating marine farming structures and equipment on the sea other than that specified for navigational requirements must be grey to black in colour or be any other colour that is specified in the relevant marine farming licence; – Section 3.9.1.2 Marine farming structures and equipment must be low in profile and be of a uniform size and shape to the satisfaction of the Secretary; – Section 3.9.1.5 The lease area must be kept neat and tidy to a standard acceptable to the Secretary; and

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– Section 3.9.1.6 Floating storage huts, grading facilities and shelters must not be located within a lease area unless authorised under the relevant marine farming licence.  Management Control Section 3.9.2 Lessees are to ensure that light generated from marine farming operations does not create a nuisance to the general community. The Secretary will determine what constitutes a nuisance.

5.2.2 Navigation Through consultation with MAST and TasPorts, it is predicted that there will be no noticeable impact on recreational or commercial boating in the area of interest. Yellow lease corner markers including flashing night lights are to be moored around the proposed zone to aid in navigation.

As outlined above the dimensions of the proposed zone expansion have already been modified to avoid the recognised shipping channel and to suit local boat movements.

Regulatory Controls From D’Entrecasteaux Channel Marine Farming Development Plan February 2002:

 Management Control Section: 3.10.1 Lessees must mark the external boundaries of the lease area in whatever manner is required by the Secretary and by the relevant authority under the provisions of the Marine and Safety Authority Act 1997.

 Management Control Section 3.10.3 Anchors and mooring lines that extend outside the lease area must be at least 5 metres below the surface at the boundary of the lease area.

5.2.3 Heritage All Aboriginal sites in Tasmania are protected under the Aboriginal Relics Act 1975. Section 14 (1) of the Act states that to damage, destroy, remove, conceal or interfere with an Aboriginal relic requires a permit from the Minister for National Parks and Wildlife. Relics need not to have been formally identified in order to be covered by the provisions of this Act. The provisions of the Act apply to all land tenures.

As many Aboriginal sites are found on the coastal strip, activities undertaken in this area have the potential to impact those sites. Therefore Aboriginal heritage issues must be taken into consideration prior to any works or other activities on the coastal strip. GHD contacted Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania (AHT) on 7th January 2010 and was subsequently informed that no TASI sites are recorded within the study area and that because the proposed zone is water based, an Aboriginal heritage assessment is not required.

5.2.4 Reservations There are no known reservations within or adjacent to the proposed zone expansion. The nearest reserves are coastal reserves around Soldiers Point and Green Island Nature Reserve. These reserves are well outside of the proposed zone expansion and no impact to these reserves is anticipated.

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5.2.5 Noise Potential aquaculture farm noise sources include:

 The use of diesel generators and compressors onsite;

 Boats operating onsite;

 Feeding systems used onsite;

 Construction onsite including the installation of mooring systems;

 Harvest systems; and

 Staff. The proposed zone will need to have a mooring system installed initially which will take an estimated three weeks, after this time there will be no more major construction activities necessary onsite. The installation of the mooring system will potentially create some short term additional noise around the proposed zone, but post installation noise levels will return to normal. The majority of additional noise generated during the mooring installation will come from work boats, which will only operate during daylight hours, reducing the chance of disturbing any surrounding stakeholders.

There will be no increase in hours of operation or operational noise levels created in the area above the noise levels already generated at the existing Soldiers Point lease. There would be an increase in the frequency of some activities, for example in-situ net washing by up to 50% in proportion to the additional cages held on the lease. However, it is anticipated that other activities such as bathing and bathing liner tows would actually decrease despite the increase in cage numbers. The noise levels during these activities will remain consistent with that currently occurring at the site.

The company’s harvest vessels will service the proposed expanded lease in the same way as they do with the current lease. Given that all of the fish from the Bruny Region are currently relocated to the Soldiers Point lease before they are harvested, there will be no increase in harvesting activity on the lease as a result of the proposed lease expansion.

Following the zone extension, the current feed barge at Soldiers Point will be replaced by a newer barge with more feed storage capacity. This new barge has had extensive noise mitigation features incorporated at the design stage, and is expected to produce significantly lower levels of operational noise than the current barge.

Additionally, Tassal have committed to longer term noise mitigation work and are focussing on noise from moving vessels working in the marine operations environment. Noise emissions are now taken into consideration when the replacement of ageing vessels occurs. Tassal considers this is the most effective way forward in this area.

Noise Initiatives Tassal is approaching noise measurements in a scientifically rigorous manner through the development of background noise surveys that will provide 2010 baseline data sets. Tassal expect to continue a program of gathering noise logger data in the coming years and are cooperating with the Environmental Protection Authority in developing fish-farm specific noise impact prediction models that will enable better management of day-to-day operations.

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As part of their commitment to improving community relationships, Tassal are making an effort to inform councils, local residents and community groups about their noise mitigation work, and are responding to complaints of noise nuisance. Tassal have just employed a Community Relations Coordinator to take charge of this work. Suggested initiatives include establishing a web site that advises of days and times when fish bathing or harvesting operations are expected at farms that are in especially sensitive areas. Tassal will undertake this initiative on a pilot basis and evaluate its effectiveness and impact on operations. Tassal maintains a complaints register and if noise complaints are received Tassal will follow the ISO 140001 process for dealing with the complaints.

Tassal are aiming to reach a point where noise nuisance is no longer a significant issue for surrounding stakeholders. To this end, Tassal aim to continue to develop an understanding of how and when noise emissions result in noise nuisance and subsequently reduce these noise emissions to avoid or minimise any such nuisance. Within the framework of the company’s new EMS currently being developed this will be consistent with the "continual review and improvement philosophy" of ISO 14001.

Tassal has recently made some considerable investments to rectify the potential for noise disturbances arising from operations. Tassal has spent over $100,000 in the 2009-2010 Financial Year on acoustic advice, material sourcing, data compilation and hands-on noise mitigation works at the Nubeena, North West Bay, and Brabazon sites. Another $180,000 has recently been spent on the harvest vessel, Tassal 1, to eliminate a large proportion of its noise emissions by switching from a hydraulic to an electric system. This work has removed the dominant noise source from the harvest vessel and so noise impact from harvesting will be greatly reduced at all Tassal marine sites. Tassal has also built a 2010/11 noise mitigation budget into each of the operational regions. All new equipment and boats purchased will undergo a noise evaluation as part of the purchasing process.

Overall, noise levels are not expected to increase as a result of the proposed lease expansion, but the frequency of some activities will increase in line with the additional work required to service the extra pens, for example, in-situ net cleaning. Other activities such as bathing and harvesting are not expected to increase in frequency as a result of the lease expansion and are, if fact, predicted to decrease.

Regulatory Controls From D’Entrecasteaux Channel Marine Farming Development Plan February 2002:

 Management Control Section 3.12.2 Lessees must comply with guidelines on noise emissions made pursuant to the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 for marine farming operations.

5.2.6 Odour There are several potential sources of odour from finfish aquaculture farms, mainly due to the large amounts of organic matter involved in the farming process. Potential sources of odours include:

 Fish feed;

 Fish mortalities;

 Fouling on marine farm equipment that has been left out of the water; and

 Odour from engine exhausts used on the farm.

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As reported in a previous DPIW EIS (DPIW 2007), odour issues have generally not been a major problem concerning the operations of fish farms in southern Tasmania. Tassal has strategies in place to combat odour issues on a company wide basis, including the timely removal of mortality bins, keeping of feed stock in protected hoppers and managing equipment to ensure it is kept clean and in good working order. The proposed zone will keep in line with the company policies mentioned above.

There has been one known complaint regarding the odour from the current Soldiers Point zone which occurred in 2009 as a result of the trial of a mortality removal system which has subsequently been discarded. This was acknowledged as an operational error by Tassal and this operation has since been amended. The additional area in the proposed zone is not expected to increase odour levels, with identical odour mitigation processes to be used to the existing zone.

Regulatory Controls From D’Entrecasteaux Channel Marine Farming Development Plan February 2002:

 Management Control Section 3.11.1 Lessees are to ensure that odour generated from marine farming operations does not create an odour nuisance to the general community. The Secretary will determine what constitutes a nuisance.

5.2.7 Commercial Fishing Marine Resources, DPIPWE was consulted and reports that the rock lobster and scale fish fisheries are not permitted to commercially fish the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and that the area is not open to the commercial scallop fishery. Therefore these stakeholders would not be affected by the occupation of the proposed zone. The Channel area is, however, subject to commercial diving by the abalone industry and also the commercial dive industry including periwinkles and sea urchins. The department reports that it is not aware of the area in and around the proposed zone as being of interest to either of the above parties. The department supports this with the fact that the area has minimal habitat for abalone or commercial dive species. This view has been supported by the President of the Commercial Divers Association, Tasmania.

5.2.8 Recreational Fishing Through consultation with TARFish, it was concluded that recreational anglers using boats will not be significantly affected by the proposed lease as areas around the lease are still accessible to boat angling, including all shore lines previously accessible.

No significant rocklobster or abalone habitat is located within the proposed zone and hence it is not expected to affect this recreational fishery. Some scallops were located within the proposed lease during previous benthic surveys of the area, but the small area to be occupied by the proposed zone is not expected to significantly affect this recreational fishery.

As discussed in Section 4.5 the dimensions of the proposed zone expansion have already been modified to avoid the recognised shipping channel and to reduce effects on local boat movements.

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5.2.9 Recreational Activities As outlined in previous Section, recreational activities that take place in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel near the proposed zone include:

 Fishing;

 Boating / Sailing;

 Diving (particularly on the nearby reef);

 Kayaking; and

 Walking. The proposed zone expansion is not expected to impact on any terrestrial recreational activities as no direct impacts will occur. As outlined in Section 5.2.1 visual impacts are expected to be minor to moderate.

The proposed expansion may impact slightly on marine based recreational activities. However, as outlined in Section 4.5, there is limited recreational activity immediately adjacent to the lease and as the existing pens are already in situ, the minor increase in length of the lease is not expected to significantly impact these users.

As noted in Section 4.5, the proposed zone expansion has already been slightly altered to avoid the main navigation route through the area.

5.2.10 Tourism There is no significant impact anticipated to terrestrial based tourism activities, as the visual impact of the development is considered to be minor to moderate and there will be no direct impact to any terrestrial areas.

There may be impacts to marine based tourism due to the expansion of the marine farming zone. However, as noted in Section 4.5, the zone is outside major navigational channels and therefore there are no significant impacts anticipated.

5.2.11 Land Use and Development The impact of the marine lease extension on land-based recreational and residential uses will predominantly occur in the form of visual impact. A visual impact statement has been carried out, the results of which are discussed in Section 5.2.1, and the proposal is expected to have a minor to moderate impact in terms of visual amenity.

Recreational boating groups would be the most likely group impacted by the proposal, and they have been included in consultation process, as discussed in Section 4.5.2. Given the marine lease is located a significant distance off shore from both Bruny Island and from land to the west of the Channel, it is expected to have negligible impacts on land-based commercial and industrial enterprises. As discussed in Section 4.5.3, the area is rarely used for commercial fishing purposes.

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5.2.12 Socio-Economic Aspects As outlined above, the proposed zone expansion will not increase Tassal’s overall production capacity as fish that are currently stocked at Roberts Point will be moved to the expanded area at Soldiers Point. For this reason there are no anticipated impacts to Tassal’s internal or external staffing or economic position. The construction phase involves very little physical work (only construction of mooring systems); therefore no significant change to staffing or contractors is expected during this phase.

As outlined in other sections of this report, the proposed zone extension is not expected to impact significantly on local tourism operators or shore based activities or users (including land value) as it does not involve any new leases, only an expansion to an existing zone.

Tassal contributes significantly to state and local economies through employment and production expenditure and this zone expansion will help to improve the company’s position as a leading primary producer in Tasmania by allowing best practice environmental management to be undertaken.

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6. Summary of Effects and their Management

The following table provides a summary of the key impacts and mitigation measures. For full detail of all impacts and mitigation refer to Section 5. Table 12 Summary of Effects and Management Section Potential Effect Avoidance & Mitigation Overall 5.1.1 Water Quality Increased nutrient release TPDNO in place that effectively caps There will be an increase in nutrient emissions into into surrounding waters production of salmonids in the waters surrounding the proposed zone primarily from fish D’Entrecasteaux Channel at a level The company has not currently reached its metabolism that is currently considered to be apportionment of the TPDNO in the Lower dissolved oxygen levels environmentally sustainable D’Entrecasteaux Channel. It is therefore considered due to the decomposition of BEMP implemented to assist, together that the proposed zone will not cause any water organic enrichment by with other relevant research, in a quality effects outside of those determined under microbes in the water and future assessment of the level of the the TPDNO sediment TPDNO Additionally, there will be no net increase in the Hypernutrification of the Management controls and relevant amount of fish being farmed in the Region overall water column potentially marine farming licence conditions and any increase in impacts at the proposed zone leading to enhanced will correspond with a decrease at the Roberts phytoplankton production Point zone nearby (blooms), which may impair Impacts from waste streams from in situ net fish health and the amenity of cleaning activities are not well understood and an area impacts may result. However, the CFOC funded Impact on macroalgal research initiatives have been targeted to assemblages investigate environmental impacts of waste streams from in situ net cleaning activities 5.1.2 Substrates and Fauna Impact on sediments and Close monitoring of feeding events to There will be a spatial increase in solid waste fauna directly beneath fish avoid wastage and annual video deposition impacts on the sediments beneath pens from feed and faeces surveys to assess benthic health cages at the site due to the deployment of Reducing sediments Company will not be able to continue additional cages over the larger area the proposal Bacterial build up farming over sediments where provides for Changes in species number, spontaneous gas bubbling is occurring Organic enrichment effects are expected to be diversity, abundance and or where sediments have not managed at an acceptable level with the proposed biomass of benthic faunal recovered to an acceptable level to company mitigation measures and meiofaunal assemblages DPIPWE. Impacts from waste streams from in situ net Hypoxia in the water Expanded zone area will facilitate cleaning activities are not well understood and overlying the sediment extended fallowing periods impacts may result. However, the CFOC funded Increased sulphate reduction High current flow at site research initiatives have been targeted to Build up and release of investigate environmental impacts of waste methane and hydrogen streams from in situ net cleaning activities sulphide gas from sediments 5.1.4 Birds Possible effects from/on local Bird nets in use over pens to stop feed Effects are expected to be negligible with company bird populations access mitigation measures in place Predation of small fish Feed will be kept in hoppers Consumption of fish feed Behavioural change - home ranges of raptors may alter with an increased reliance on marine farms for foraging activity Birds may be killed or injured by entanglement in bird netting. 5.1.5 Marine Mammals

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Section Potential Effect Avoidance & Mitigation Overall Possible effects from/on No predator nets to be used in the There will be minimal impacts to marine mammal marine mammal s proposed zone movements in the area Predation of farmed stock Nets stiffened with antifoulant paint The extra cages proposed to be held within the Cause stress in stocked fish and/or heavily tensioned proposed zone may lead to an increase in seal Seal defence systems Seal exclusion strategies, seal interactions. However, it is expected that company represent a significant behaviour management and diligent mitigation measures will effectively manage any financial cost to industry farm operations to reduce seal increase in potential for seal interactions in the Occupational health and interactions with staff and stock proposed zone. safety issues Marine mammal access restricted by farming structures Entanglement in predator netting resulting in injury or death Negative conditioning, trapping and removal of seals from marine farming may cause animals to experience stress Modification of behaviour in seals that habituate to marine farms, which may alter, for example, foraging behaviours. 5.1.8 Chemicals Possible increase in localised Decrease in antifouled nets over time There will be an increase in chemical usage in the copper inputs into receiving with non-antifouled monofilament proposed zone which may result in an increase in environment nets to replace impacts on the environment Detrimental effects on fauna Replacement of antifouled nets with Impacts from waste streams from in situ net and flora monofilament nets over pen bays that cleaning activities are not well understood and Bioaccumulation of copper in have exceeded sediment copper impacts may result. However, the CFOC funded flora and fauna trigger level research initiatives have been targeted to Accumulation and Close monitoring of feeding event investigate environmental impacts of waste persistence of copper and containing antibiotic medicated feed streams from in situ net cleaning activities zinc in sediments Vessels refuelled at land-based Possible increase in localised refuelling station antibiotic inputs into Safety equipment and spill kits located receiving environment close to refuelling station Potential risk to public health Vessels serviced regularly and following consumption of hydraulic equipment inspected daily wild and/or escaped farmed to minimise risk of oil leakage fish containing antibiotic Low volumes and high dilution rates residues of disinfectants used Development of antibiotic Relevant management contorls resistance in fish bacterial pathogens Persistence of antibiotic residues in environment Uptake of antibiotics by non target species through ingestion of feed pellets and faeces Spills of diesel, petrol and oil- based lubricants have potential to pollute waterways and harm local flora and fauna Potential for disinfectants to harm local flora and fauna 5.1.9 Species Escapes Possible species escapes at Company has put in place strict The additional transfers required to relocate fish to

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Section Potential Effect Avoidance & Mitigation Overall proposed zone mitigation measures to decrease the proposed zone will increase the risk of species Impact on native fish likelihood of species escapes escape events occurring but the reduced number populations through of fish per cage proposed to be towed (compared predation or competition for to fish numbers per cage currently transferred to resources Soldiers Point) will lessen the severity of an escape Disease/parasite transfer event from farmed fish to native fish populations Escapes of fish that are being treated with antibiotics 5.1.11 Wastes Marine farm debris washed Company conducts regular cleanups There will be an increase in the volume of waste onto surrounding shores of adjacent shorelines produced in the proposed zone over that which is Localised organic enrichment Company has measures in place for currently produced in the existing zone. of sediments beneath cages correct disposal of solid and liquid Company mitigation measures will manage most Unsightly and odorous wastes solid and liquid waste streams in a manner that will impacts from the Feed wastage is minimised through cause negligible environmental impacts inappropriate disposal of fish company feed protocols Additionally, any impacts at the proposed zone mortalities Relevant management controls emerging from solid and liquid waste streams will Bloodwater spills from correspond to a decrease at the Roberts Point zone marine harvesting events has nearby the potential to organically Impacts from waste streams from in situ net enrich surrounding waters cleaning activities are not well understood and and spread disease amongst impacts may result. However, the CFOC funded fish stocks research initiatives have been targeted to Black and grey waste water investigate environmental impacts of waste spills from crew facilities streams from in situ net cleaning activities could pollute surrounding waters An increase in the risk of disease transfer between farmed stock and wild stock and interference with treatment of disease in farmed stock due to inappropriate disposal of bloodwater/harvesting wastes and stock mortalities Dispersion and subsequent environmental impacts from solid and dissolved in situ net cleaning effluent 5.2.1 Visual Loss of amenity for Only minimal additional equipment is It is expected that minor to moderate visual effects residential/commercial necessary in the proposed zone, will result from the additional 10 fish pens receptors having views of the mainly in the form of fish pens proposed proposed zone Compliance with all regulatory Loss of amenity for mariners controls associated with the located in proximity to the mitigation of visual impacts proposed zone 5.2.2 Navigation Possible effects on navigation Consultation with MAST and Ports The proposed zone will have a negligible effect on of the area Corporation vessel navigation in the surrounding area Impact on the navigation of Proposed zone has already been vessels moved back from recognised Impact on recreational and recreational boating transit route commercial vessels operating in the vicinity of the proposed zone at times due to the increase in service vessel traffic associated with the

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Section Potential Effect Avoidance & Mitigation Overall proposed zone 5.2.5 Noise Increase in overall Works on site occur generally during Any additional noise duration will be very slight duration/level/type of noise daylight hours when compared to noise emanating from the at the proposed zone that Most infrastructure is already in place existing zone. could potentially cause meaning minimal additional noise Noise levels and hours of operation will not disturbances/loss of amenity duration will be created increase. New noise protocols are in place and Overall an improvement is expected at the Soldiers replacement of older technology is Point area with new noise mitigation in place occurring, this will improve current including the new barge proposed for the zone noise levels Relevant management controls 5.2.6 Odour Potential odour disturbances Company policies will be in place at With company procedures for odour control in on surrounding stakeholders the proposed zone to avoid odour place effects are thought to be minimal problems Relevant management controls

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7. Conclusion

The proposed Marine Zone Extension is driven by Tassal’s preventative disease management protocols and aims to achieve industry best practice by introducing year class separation.

The key positive outcomes of the lease expansion will be the year class separation of fish between Soldiers Point and Roberts Point. As discussed throughout this document, year class separation has a number of benefits with respect to biosecurity, fish husbandry and disease prevention.

Whilst the extension is likely to lead to a local increase in impacts at Soldiers Point, it will be offset by corresponding reductions at Roberts Point as this amendment does not propose an increase in production levels above that which can occur within the TPDNO, see Section 2.1.3.

A number of potential impacts have been discussed throughout this document, particularly relating to impacts on water quality, sediment and biota. Tassal have demonstrated an ability to successfully manage these issues through several years of operations at Soldiers Point and will apply all current management practices and monitoring requirements to the proposed extension. Stakeholders have identified noise and visual impacts as concerns. Tassal is actively working on reducing noise and visual impacts as outlined in this document.

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8. References

Ackerfors, H. and Enell, M., Discharge of nutrients from Swedish fish farming to adjacent sea areas. Ambio, 1994, 19: 28-35;

Aquenal, Baseline Environmental Assessment and Annual Video Monitoring of Marine Farming Lease #110 at Soldiers Point Finfish Farm Final Report, Aquenal Pty Ltd, 2006; Aquenal, Baseline Environmental Assessment of Marine Farming Lease #E2 at Soldiers Point Finfish Farm, Aquenal Pty Ltd, May 2000; Black, E., Gowen, R., Rosenthal, H., Roth, E., Stechey, D. and. Taylor, F.J.R., 1996; Response to 'The costs of eutrophication from salmon farming: Implications for Policy by C. Folke et al., J. Env. Sci., 40: 173-182'. J. Env. Sci. (In press);

Black, K.D., 2001; Environmental impacts of Aquaculture. Sheffield Academic Press;

Burridge, L., Weis, J.S, Cabello, F., Pizarro, J., Bostick, K., 2010, Chemical use in salmon aquaculture : A review of current practices and possible environmental effects. Aquaculture 306 (2010) 7-23.;

Butler, E., Parslow, J., Volkman, J., Blackburn, S., Morgan, P., Hunter, J., Clementson, L., Parker, N., Bailey, R., Berry, K., Bonham, P., Featherstone, A., Griffin, D., Higgins, H., Holdsworth, D., Latham, V., Leeming, R., McGhie, T., McKenzie, D., Plaschke, R., Revill, A., Sherlock, M., Trenerry, L., Turnbull, A., Watson, R., and Wilkes, L., 2000; CSIRO, Huon Estuary Study, Environmental Research for Integrated Catchment Management and Aquaculture, Project Number 96/284;

Chang, B.D., and Thonney, P., 1992; Overview and environmental status of the New Brunswick salmon culture industry. In: Proceedings of the Meeting of the Aquaculture Association of Canada. Held 1-3 June 1992, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C.;

Cho, C.Y. and Bureau, D.P., 1997; Reduction of waste output from salmonid aquaculture through feeds and feedings. The Progressive Fish Culturist, 59:155-160;

Crawford, C., Macleod, C. and Mitchell, I., 2002; Evaluation of techniques for environmental monitoring of salmon farms in Tasmania. Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute Technical Report Series 8, 134pp.; Crawford, C.M., Mitchell, I.M. and Macleod, C.K.A., 2001a; Video assessment of environmental impacts of salmon farms. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 58: 445-452.;

Dalgleish, 2009, Mass Balance: Fate of copper and zinc through the in-situ cleaning of fish nets. Tassal Operations Pty Ltd, July 2009; Dalgleish, 2008, Copper Mass Balance: Fate of copper through the deployment cycle of fish nets. Tassal Operations Pty Ltd, October 2008; De Pauw, N. and Joyce, J., 1991; Aquaculture and the Environment. European Aquaculture Society- Special Publication.;

DPIW, - Environmental Impact Statement to accompany the Draft Amendment No.2 to the

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D’Entrecasteaux Channel Marine Farming Development Plan February 2002, 2007, Department of Primary Industries and Water. Hobart, Tasmania.; DPIWE, Tasmanian Marine Environment Monitoring Report (Benthic Monitoring 1997-2002). Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment. Hobart, Tasmania.; Duplisea, D.E. and Hargrave, B.T., 1996; "Responses of meiobenthos size-structure, biomass and respiration to sediment organic enrichment." Hydrobiologia, 339: 161-170.; Edgar, G.J., Davey, A., Shepherd, C., Broadscale effects of marine salmonid aquaculture and introduced pests on macrobenthos and the sediment environment in Tasmania between 1998 and 2003, 2009, TAFI.; Environmental Assessment Office (British Columbia, CA) 1996: Salmon Aquaculture Review.;

FSANZ 2007 – Risk Assessment (an investigation of the effect of antibiotic usage on non-target fish: oxytetracycline (OTC) residue testing of wildfish), Internal Report to Department of Health and Human Services, January 2007; GESAMP (IMO/FAO/Unesco-IOC/WHO/IAEA/UN/UNEP Joint Group of experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection), 1996. Monitoring the ecological effects of coastal aquaculture wastes. Rep.Stud. GESAMP, (57):38pp.;

Gowen, R.J. and Rosenthal, H., 1993; The environmental consequences of intensive coastal marine farming in developed countries: what lessons can be learnt?, pp102-115. In R. S. V. Pullin;

Handy and Poxton 1993; Nitrogen pollution in mariculture: toxicity and excretion of nitrogenous compounds by marine fish. Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, 3: 205-241.;

Hargrave, B.T., Phillips, G.A., Doucette, L.I., White, J.J., Milligan, T.G., Wildish, D.J. and Cranston, R.E., 1997. Assessing benthic impacts of organic enrichment from marine aquaculture. Presented at the 7th International Symposium on the Interactions between Sediments and Water, held 22-25 September 1996, Baveno, Italy.;

Holmer, M., 1991; Impact of aquaculture on surrounding sediments: generation of organic rich sediments. In: Aquaculture and the Environment. Eds: N. de Pauw and J. Joyce. Special Publication 16. Ghent, Belgium: European Aquaculture Society. pp155-175.; ICES, 1995; Report of the working group on environmental impacts of mariculture. Ad hoc study.;

Lumb, C. M., 1989; "Self-pollution by Scottish salmon farms?" Marine Pollution Bulletin, 20(8): 375-379.;

Marine Harvest 2010 - Salmon Farming Industry Handbook, Marine Harvest 2010 (see http://www.marineharvest.com/PageFiles/1296/Handbook%202010.pdf); Macleod, C., Mitchell, I., Crawford, C. and Connell, R., 2002; Evaluation of Sediment Recovery After Removal of Finfish Pens from Marine Farm Lease No.76 (Gunpowder Jetty), North West Bay. Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute, Marine Research Laboratories Taroona. University of Tasmania 45pp.; Munday, B.W., Eleftheriou, A., Kentouri, M and Divanach, P., 1992; The interaction of aquaculture and the Environment – a bibliographical review. Commissioners of the European Community, DGXIV/D/#, Brussels.;

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National Pollutant Inventory: Emission estimation technique manual for aggregated emissions from temperate water aquaculture, 2001: National Pollutant Inventory manual, Environment Australia.; Naylor, R., Hindar, K., Fleming, I., Goldburg, R., Williams, S., Volpe, J., Whoriskey, F., Eagle, J., Kelso, D. and Mangel, M. 2005; Fugitive Salmon: Assessing the Risks of Escaped Fish from Net-Pen Aquaculture. BioScience 55: 427-437.

Oh, E, Macroalgal assemblages as indicators of the broad-scale impacts of fish farms on temperate reef habitats, June 2009; Pearson, T.H., 1995; Environmnetal quality assurance in aquaculture: Approaches to environmental assessment, protection and regulation in Scotland and Norway. Proc. Aqua. Conf 1995.;

Pillay, T.V.R., 1995; Aquaculture principles and practices. Fishing News Books.; Simpson, S. and Spadaro, D. (2010). Copper bioavailability in sediments contaminated with copper- based antifouling paint; CSIRO. Prepared for the Tasmanian Salmonid Growers Association.;

TAFI, A review of the ecological impacts of selected antibiotics and antifoulants currently used in the Tasmanian Salmonid farming industry, C.mcleod & R.Eriksen, TAFI, 2009(b); TAFI, Environmental Assessment of a Proposed Marine Farming Zone Extension at Soldiers Point [NW] in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, TAFI, 2009(a); TAFI, Environmental Assessment of a Proposed Marine Farming Zone Extension at Soldiers Point [SE] in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, TAFI, 2010; TAFI, Environmental Assessment of Proposed Marine Farming Regions in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, TAFI, June 2001; TAFI, Zone Assessment Report, Environmental Assessment of Proposed Marine Farming Zone Extension off Soldiers Point D’Entrecasteaux Channel, TAFI, 2005; The Landscape Institute with the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, (2002) Guidelines For Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, Second Edition, Spon Press, Taylor and Francis Group, London and New York. The Scottish Association for Marine Science and Napier University, 2002; Review and Synthesis of the Environmental Impacts of Aquaculture. Scottish Executive Central Research Unit.;

Volkman J., Thompson, P., Herzfeld, M.,. Wild-Allen, K, Blackburn, S., Macleod, C., Swadling, K., Foster, S., Bonham, P., Holdsworth, D., Clementson, L., Skerratt, J., Rosebrock, U., Andrewartha, J., and Revill, A., 2009; CSIRO, A whole-of-ecosystem assessment of environmental issues for salmonid aquaculture, Aquafin CRC Project 4.2(2).; Woodward, I.O., Gallagher, J.B., Rushton, M.J., Machin, P.J. and Mihialenko, S., 1992; Salmon Farming and the Environment of the Huon Estuary, Tasmania. Technical Report No. 45, Division of Sea Fisheries, Tasmania.; Wild-Allen K., Parslow J., Herzfield M., Sakov P., Andrewarther J., Rosebrock U., CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research, Aquafin CRC Project 4.2 July 2005; Biogeochemical Modelling of the D’Entrecastuax Channel and Huon Estuary

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Wu, R.S.S., 1995; The environmental impact of marine fish culture: Towards a sustainable future. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 31: 159-166.;

Wu, R.S.S., Lam, K.S., Mackay, D.W., Lau, T.C. and Yam, V., 1994; Impact of marine fish farming on water quality and bottom sediment: a case study in the subtropical environment. Marine Environmental Research, 38: 115-145.; Wu, R.S.S., 1995; The environmental impact of marine fish culture: Towards a sustainable future. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 31: 159-166.

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Appendix A A Typical 30 Cage Grid with 60 Metre Bays

Soldiers Point Marine Zone Expansion Environmental Impact Statement Appendix A - A typical 30 cage grid with 60m bays

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40

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125

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60

60

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60 900m 1390m

60 Footprint of Blocks of Footprint Footprinton Surface

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125

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40

40

3 Tonne Block

1390

40 40 125 60 60 125 40 40 530

120m Footprint on Surface

530m Footprint of Blocks

Soldiers Point Marine Zone Expansion Environmental Impact Statement

Appendix B Marine Farming Licence – Marine Farming Lease #110

Soldiers Point Marine Zone Expansion Environmental Impact Statement

LIVING MARINE RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ACT 1995

(SECTION 78) VARIED MARINE FARMING LICENCE NO: 110/10 ISSUED TO: Tassal Operations Pty Ltd

OF: GPO Box 1645 HOBART TAS 7001 LOCATION West of Soldiers Point This licence, while it is in force, authorises the holder to carry on marine farming in the area to which Lease No. 110 held by them relates subject to and in accordance with the conditions and restrictions specified in the Schedules attached to this licence.

Species of fish or marine plants authorised by this licence are:-

Atlantic salmon Salmo salar

Date of commencement: 13 September 2010 Date of expiry: 30 April 2011 Licence fees paid: $2,327.50

Water and Marine Resources Division Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment

110/10 Schedule 1

MARINE FARMING LICENCE NO. 110/10_VARIED SEPTEMBER

Conditions applying to the licence in accordance with Section 66 of the Living Marine Resources Management Act 1995 (the Act).

1. The licence holder shall:-

a) only harvest shellfish from the premises to which this licence relates for human consumption or for on-growing for human consumption in accordance with the Tasmanian Shellfish Quality Assurance Programme.

 not release into State waters any fish or shellfish unless authorised in this licence.

 immediately notify the Director, Marine Resources and the Chief Veterinary Officer, Department of Primary Industries and Water of any significant illness, mortality or disease in the fish/shellfish within the premises to which this licence relates.

2. The licence holder in respect of marine farming operations unless otherwise required by the Secretary of the Department of Primary Industries and Water shall:

a) keep records of all fish brought onto and taken off the area to which this licence relates. Those records must show:-

i. the date of each movement;

ii. a description of each consignment of fish being moved, including species, class and quantity of fish;

iii. for fish taken off the area, the place to which each consignment of fish was sent;

iv. for fish brought onto the area, the place from which the fish came.

b) keep the records at (a) above in a manner and form that enables rapid access to the information in the event of an emergency. (A recommended format is at Attachment A to this Schedule).

c) keep the records at (a) above for not less than five years from the date of production of the record.

3. The licence holder in respect of marine farming operations unless otherwise required by the Secretary of the Department of Primary Industries Water shall:

a) keep records summarising the amounts of fish taken off the lease area to which this licence relates for consumption, processing and/or for on-growing outside of Tasmania showing:

i. for each Australian State and Territory and for each overseas country to which fish have been consigned, the amount of fish taken off the area in the previous three month period.

b) keep the records at (a) above in the manner and form shown at Attachment B to this Schedule for not less than five years from the date of production of the record.

4. The licence holder unless otherwise required by the Secretary of the Department of Primary Industries and Water, shall submit to the Secretary of the Department of Primary Industries and Water, within fourteen (14) days of the end of each three month period, a copy of records kept under 3. above, summarising:

a) the amounts of fish taken off the area to which this licence relates for consumption and for on-growing outside of Tasmania; and

b) the average number of persons employed on the area to which this licence relates in the previous three month period.

ATTACHMENT “A” (SCHEDULE 1) (page 1 of 2)

STOCK BROUGHT ONTO THE LICENSED AREA (Record each transfer as a separate entry)

Write in the date of Write in the name Type of stock Enter the Specif Write in the name of the sender Write in the address of the lease area from which transfer of the species (year class, size ) quantity y units the consignment was sent Date Species Stock Quantit Unit Name Address y s

ATTACHMENT “A” (SCHEDULE 1) (page 2 of 2)

STOCK SENT OFF THE LICENSED AREA (Record each transfer as a separate entry)

Write in the date of Write in the name Type of stock Enter the Specif Write in the name of the person Write in the address of the lease area or place to transfer of the species (year class, size ) quantity y units to whom the consignment was which the consignment was sent sent Date Species Stock Quantit Unit Name Address y s

ATTACHMENT “B” (SCHEDULE 1) Department or Primary Industries, Water and Environment Quarterly Marine Farming Production Return Licence No. Living Marine Resources Management Act 1995

PRODUCTION RETURN FOR THE THREE MONTH PERIOD ENDING 31 30 30 31 YEAR ( PLEASE MARK THE APPROPRIATE BOX AND ENTER YEAR ) MARCH JUNE SEP DEC

STOCK TAKEN OFF THE LICENSED AREA FOR CONSUMPTION OR PROCESSING DURING THIS QUARTER Enter the Specif Write in the name of the Write in the name of the state or country of quantity and y species destination tick the box other for the units units Species Destination - State/Country Quantityd No. Doz Kg Other units

STOCK TAKEN OFF THE LICENSED AREA FOR ONGROWING OUTSIDE TASMANIA DURING THIS QUARTER Species Destination - State/Country Quantity No. Doz Kg Other units

EMPLOYMENT Average number of persons employed directly permanent (include licence on the licensed area during this period holder)

casual employees

CONFIDENTIALITY The information provided on this form will remain confidential to the Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment and only summarised statistics, not identifiable by lease or licence number, will be used in publications or in reports to industry organisations. Please complete and deposit with the Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, Marine Farming Branch, GPO Box 192, Hobart 7001 or fax (03) 6233 3065 within 14 days of the end of each three month period. Name: Remarks:

Signatur Date: e: CAUTION: UNDER SECTION 263 OF THE LIVING MARINE RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ACT 1995.

A PERSON, IN MAKING AN APPLICATION, GIVING ANY DOCUMENT OR STATING ANYTHING TO A FISHERIES OFFICER, MUST NOT A) MAKE A STATEMENT KNOWING IT TO BE FALSE OR MISLEADING, OR B) OMIT ANY MATTER FROM A STATEMENT THAT WITHOUT THAT MATTER THE STATEMENT IS FALSE OR MISLEADING PENALTY - FINE NOT EXCEEDING 500 PENALTY UNITS

110/10 Schedule 3

MARINE FARMING LICENCE CONDITIONS RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT OF A FINFISH FARM

Conditions relating to the environmental management of finfish farms are in three parts:

• Compliance with environmental standards • Environmental records to be kept by the licence holder • Environmental reports to be provided to the Department

In this schedule: "the Director" means the Director, Marine Resources, the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment or any person authorised to act on the Director's behalf and “the Department” means the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment

Compliance with Environmental Standards

The licence holder must comply with the following environmental standards in carrying out operations on the marine farming lease area or lease areas to which this licence relates(theLease Area):

1.1 There must be no significant visual, physico-chemical or biological impacts at or extending beyond 35 metres from the boundary of the Lease Area. The following impacts may be regarded as significant.

Visual impacts:

• Presence of fish feed pellets • presence of bacterial mats (e.g. Beggiatoa spp.) • presence of gas bubbling arising from the sediment, either with or without disturbance of the sediment • presence of numerous opportunistic polychaetes (e.g Capitella spp., Dorvilleid spp.) on the sediment surface.

In the event that a significant visual impact is detected at any point 35 metres or more from the lease boundary, the licence holder may be required to undertake a triggered environmental survey or other remedial activity determined by the Director.

Physico-chemical:

Redox A corrected redox value which differs significantly from the reference site(s) or is < 0 mV at a depth of 3 cm within a core sample.

Sulphide

A corrected sulphide level which differs significantly from the reference site(s) or is > 250 µM at a depth of 3 cm within a core sample.

Biological:

• A 20 times increase in the total abundance of any individual taxonomic family relative to reference sites • an increase at any compliance site of greater than 50 times the total Annelid abundance at reference sites • a reduction in the number of families by 50 per cent or more relative to reference sitescomplete absence of fauna.

1.2 There must be no significant visual impacts within the Lease Area. The following impacts may be regarded as significant.

Visual impacts within Lease Area

• Excessive feed dumping • extensive bacterial mats (e.g. Beggiatoa spp.) on the sediment surface prior to restocking • spontaneous gas bubbling from the sediment.

1.3 Where areas are fallowed due to visual impacts, the Lease Area shall not be restocked until the sediments have recovered to the satisfaction of the Director.

1.4 The licence holder must comply with any written request from the Director specifying waste disposal actions for the purpose of mitigating against any effect on the ecology of the marine environment or nearby shoreline associated with marine farming operations including harvesting, processing of salmonids and the removal of fouling organisms.

1.5 All fish mortalities arising in connection with marine farming operations must be disposed of in accordance with relevant acts and council by-laws.

1.6 Wildlife* interactions must be managed according to any Departmental wildlife interaction management protocols as may be amended from time to time, and any requirements issued by the Manager Wildlife Management Branch of the Department or any person acting on that person’s behalf.

*as defined under the Nature Conservation Act 2002.

1.7 Where bird netting is deployed, the nets must comply with visual management controls specified in the relevant Marine Farming Development Plan (MFDP).

1.8 Levels of antibiotics, or chemical residues derived from farm therapeutic use, present in sediments within or outside the Lease Area, are not to exceed levels specified to the licence holder by prior notice in writing by either the Director or the Chief Veterinary Officer, Tasmania.

1.9 Prior to any stock being treated with therapeutants, the licence holder must advise the Director, and provide a copy of any medication authority specific to stock treatment that has been issued. The licence holder must comply with requirements to undertake any reasonable residue testing prescribed by the Director.

1.10 Blood resulting from harvesting of fish must not be released into the marine environment.

1.11 Black water (defined as all of the components of domestic sewage) from marine farming vessels and structures within the Lease Area, must be either contained and transferred to an approved sewage treatment plant on land, or treated and released into the marine environment using an in-situ sewage treatment system that has been approved and licensed by the Director.

1.12 Grey water (defined as non-industrial wastewater generated from domestic processes such as dish washing, laundry and bathing, excluding water from the toilet) from marine farming vessels and structures within the Lease Area must be managed in such a way as to ensure that the release of the components of domestic sewage are not harmful to the marine environment. Measures may include but not be limited to the use of screens to remove food scraps, the removal of fats and oils prior to washing, and the use of environmentally friendly soaps.

1.13 Marine farming operations in the Lease Area must not cause the threshold levels listed in the following table to be exceeded within the Lease Area.

Element Sediment (mg/kg dry wt) Water Column (µg/L) Copper 270 1.3 Zinc 410 15

1.14 The Licensee must take all reasonable steps to ensure that no fish, dead or alive of the species authorised by this licence are found outside cages on the Lease Area.

2 Environmental records and reporting

Renewal of annual licences will be subject to compliance with all environmental reporting requirements. Where required the reporting of information to the Director is to be made by phone (03) 6233 3370 or electronically (e-mail:mfarming.environment @dpipwe.tas.gov.au).

2.1 The following records unless otherwise determined by the Director, must be kept by the licence holder for a period of five years and reported to the Department using electronic reporting templates specified by the Director.

Records Parameter Reporting Reporting format Frequency Feed Usage 9. Monthly quantity by Annual electronic pen bay template

Chemical Usage 10. Paint -Type and In line with electronic (Antifoulants) Quantity APVMA reporting template requirements Chemical Usage 11. Antibiotics –Type and Annual electronic (Antibiotics and Quantity template Therapeutants) 12. Therapeutants – Type and Quantity

Present Site 13. Biofouling On request electronic Management Management – Type template and Frequency of Cleaning Operations Production and 14. Feed Inputs On electronic Site 15. Average and historical request/Audit template Management biological FCR’s (includes present, 16. Smolt Inputs future and/or 17. Fallowing Regimes historic records)

Information that is required as part of annual reporting (1 January to 31 December), is to be submitted to the Department within fourteen days of the end of each calendar year. If the information is to be provided on request, then that information is to be provided to the Department within the period specified in the request for the information.

2.2 The licence holder must report any suspected or known incidents of disease or mortality affecting > 0.25 per cent of fish per day for three consecutive days in any individual cage. Such reports are to be provided as soon as possible to the Department assigned fish veterinarian or an inspector under the Animal Health Act 1995.

2.3 The licence holder must notify the Director in writing of the presence of any unusual or uncharacteristic marine flora or fauna found within the Lease Area (including any introduced marine pests) (email:[email protected])

2.4 Reports of any incidents of spontaneous outgassing are to be immediately reported to the Director.

2.5 The licence holder must report to the Director any significant incident of fish escapes within 24 hours of becoming aware of the escape. A significant escape is defined as any loss of licensed species to the marine environment in excess of 1000 individuals at any one time. (e-mail: [email protected]).

2.6 The licence holder must give prior written notice to the Director of any proposal to move or re-deploy marine farming equipment from a Marine Farming Development

Plan (MFDP) area located in one geographic region to a MFDP located in another geographic region. Geographic regions include the south east, north and west of the state. (e-mail: [email protected]).

110/10 Schedule 3V

SALMONID FINFISH ANNUAL VIDEO SURVEY: REQUIREMENTS FOR A SALMONID FINFISH LEASE AREA.

1. Outline of Requirements

The Video Survey is to be conducted in accordance with specifications in this Schedule and any requirements of the Director, Marine Resources, and undertaken by a person(s) or organisation(s) authorised by the Director, to undertake the work at the sites specified.

The survey is to be conducted once every 12 months or in accordance with the stocking and fallowing regime employed on the marine farm. The timing of this survey is to be determined through consultation with the Marine Farming Branch of the Department in January each year.

The lease holder must provide data to the Department in respect to feed input (totals by pen bay) and in situ cleaning activity (total by method by pen bay) on the Lease area for the preceding 12 months in Microsoft Excel format. This information, together with the chosen filming date must be submitted to the Department no later than one week prior to the expected video survey date.

Where a survey cannot be undertaken as planned, the lease holder must notify the Department and advise of the revised survey date on (03) 6233 3370, or email [email protected]).

All filming is to be conducted on one day, or two or three consecutive days if not feasible on a single day.

A survey report must be submitted to the Department by the applicant within 1 month of conducting the video survey.

If the survey reveals any environmental problems, further video analysis and/or sampling may be required.

The underwater video survey for salmonid finfish marine farming includes the following components:

2. Underwater video survey specifications 3. Video survey report 4. Map

2. Underwater Video Survey Specifications

2.1 Spot Dives

Compliance sites:

The video survey is to be conducted at positions specified by the Department prior to the survey.

A differential GPS must be used to locate specified dive locations and each spot dive must record a minimum of three minutes of video footage in accordance with the filming procedure outlined below. GPS coordinates in GDA 94 MGA Zone 55 datum must be recorded for each spot dive.

Should transects be required, the transect line must consist of a weighted line of known diameter with clearly marked tags 5 metres apart.

Pen sites:

In addition to the regulatory spot dives, a total of six sites must be filmed inside the lease area. GDA 94 MGA Zone 55 co-ordinates of each within lease spot dive must be recorded. Spot dives within the lease area may be performed at the same time as the regulatory spot dives, or alternatively the dives may be undertaken during the current survey year as part of normal on farm monitoring practices and video footage submitted when the regulatory parallel spot dives have been completed.

Sites filmed must include those that have been subjected to the heaviest stocking pressure in the lease area. For fallowed sites this would include pen bays that received the highest feed input prior to fallowing and for stocked sites this would include sites that have received the highest cumulative feed input for the current stocking cycle.

The number of spot dives or transects and fallowed/stocked sites filmed may vary according to lease area and previous compliance with environmental licence requirements.

2.1.1 Filming Procedure

Compliance sites:

For regulatory spot dives filming must be conducted slowly to ensure clear images of the seabed in the vicinity of the anchor marking the spot dive are recorded. Each spot dive site number must be clearly identified on the video footage. Footage must show a minimum of three minutes of clear footage. Filming is to include sufficient coverage of the sediments in the vicinity of the dive site together with some stationary footage recorded with the camera lens pointing vertically down. The sediment must be disturbed and video footage recorded to assess presence of outgassing (i.e. sediment is to be disturbed and camera tilted up to the vertical so that any ascending bubbles can be seen)

If an ROV is used and tethered to a shot line ensure that if sediments are stirred up, the ROV can move to clear water showing undisturbed sediments and providing optimal visibility.

Where relevant, filming is to be conducted with the transect line in view. Each transect must be identified on the film with the appropriate transect number e.g. T1, T2. Filming must be conducted slowly along the transect line to ensure that clear images of the transect line and seabed are recorded. For a transect, stationary video footage must be obtained at three points specified on the survey map with the camera lens pointing vertically downward with the transect line in view. The sediment must be disturbed and filmed at each specified site along the transect including vertical footage to check for the presence of outgassing on disturbance.

Pen sites:

When performing a spot dive at a stocked bay, filming must extend slowly from the cage edge to the centre of the cage on a compass bearing. Prior to diving, footage on the surface showing the pen and compass bearing must be recorded. At fallowed pen bays filming should extend across at least half of the cage footprint. Sediment must be disturbed and vertical footage obtained as described above to check for the presence of out-gassing as close as possible to the centre of the pen footprint.

2.1.2 Equipment

All video footage is to be colour and in a standard digital format (or equivalent). Clear, well lit images on high quality discs are required. The camera / ROV must be capable of operating at a minimum of 3 lux. A record of the date, time and location of filming (control/transect/farm dive) must be provided at the start of each filming sequence.

Underwater housing to suit the camera must be used and fitted with a minimum of 2 x 50W lights or equivalent in LEDs.

One DVD copy of the underwater footage must submitted with the report.

17.1.1 3 The Video Survey Report

A report must be submitted within one month of conducting the survey and include the following:

 Date, time and weather conditions with respect to each episode of filming  Completed Microsoft Access database file (refer below)  A summary table outlining dive numbers, time of dive (OSD on ROV) and completion of dive (OSD on ROV) and whether a farm dive was stocked or fallow  comments/summary of the information contained in the MS Access database specific to this survey  a section clearly identifying sites at which spontaneous outgassing was present and where any compliance sites exhibited signs of farming activity  intended farm stocking management plan for the site over the next year  a copy of digital footage specific to the survey  a map of the lease area identifying the position of all spot dive locations, including the position of internal pen bay spot dives.  Unless otherwise specified, DGPS files DXF (Drawing Exchange Format)/ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute) shape file format providing position fixes and at least one spm (State permanent mark) reference fix. Data files are to include date and time attributes.

All aspects of visual assessment and interpretation must be consistent with section 7.2, Macleod and Forbes 2004.

The report document, footage and database is to be submitted by the licence holder to the Marine Farming Branch of the Department.

4. Map

A map of the marine farming lease area identifying the 35 metre spot dive locations or transects will be provided to the Lease holder prior to the survey. A map showing surveyed positions su within the lease, including GDA 94 MGA Zone 55 co-ordinates, must be submitted with the survey report.

References Macleod, C., Forbes, S., Bisset, A., Burke, C., Crawford, C., Holdsworth, D., Nichols, P., Revill, A., and Volkman, J. (2004) Guide to the assessment of sediment condition at marine finfish farms. Aquafin CRC Project 4.1 Extension report to FRDC. Tasmanian Aquaculture & Fisheries Institute

Schedule 3BEMP 110/10

BROAD SCALE MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

1. Outline of Requirements

This monitoring is to be undertaken, according to the specifications in this Schedule or as otherwise directed by the Director Marine Resources, Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (the Department).

In this schedule:

“the Secretary” means the Secretary, Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment or any person authorised to act on the Secretary’s behalf "the Director" means the Director, Marine Resources, the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment or any person authorised to act on the Director's behalf “the Department” means the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment.

Monitoring required by this licence schedule must be undertaken by a consultant. All finfish licence holders in the Marine Farming Development Plan area to which this licence relates are required to participate in this monitoring. The Department recognises that there are potential efficiencies by having the same consultant represent all licence holders in the MFDP area.

Reporting of monitoring data is to be submitted by the licence holder on a monthly basis, with an annual report to be provided in July each year.

Each sampling event will involve obtaining samples at all sites shown on the enclosed map. Site positions must be located and recorded using differential GPS (DGPS). Coordinate projections are specified in GDA 94, MGA Zone 55. The frequency of sampling events and sequence of sampling must be consistent with the requirements outlined in this schedule.

The licence holder must notify the Marine Farming Branch [ph (03) 62 33 3370, or e-mail: [email protected]] of the sampling date chosen at least 48 hrs prior to conducting the survey to enable a Marine Environmental officer to be present to audit the survey.

The monitoring must include the following components, as detailed in Section 2 of this Schedule unless otherwise directed by the Secretary:

Matrix Component Analyte/Parameter 2.1 Sediment Biota Infauna Chemistry Redox, Stable Isotopes, Particle size, Sulphide 2.2 Water Nutrients Ammonia (total ammoniacal nitrogen), Nitrate, Phosphate, Silica, Total Nitrogen, Total Phosphorous Dissolved Oxygen DO, Temperature, Salinity, Saturation Phytoplankton Pigments by way of HPLC, cell counts, chlorophyll a, abundance

2. Broad scale Monitoring Survey Specifications

Sampling details: Samples must be collected at the prescribed sampling locations. A differential GPS (DGPS) must be used on sampling events when sediment and water quality samples are being collected and a non-differential unit can be used when sampling water quality sites only. Sample positions are specified using GDA 94, MGA Zone 55.

All sites in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel MFDP must be sampled first, followed by the Huon MFDP sites. Huon River sampling should commence no earlier than 10.00 am and no later than 12.00 pm to allow for diurnal migration effects in phytoplankton.

Table 1: Sample site descriptions.

Site Name Type Location MFDP area Classification Easting Northing M1 Water Northern Boundary Boundary Channel 527684.3 5232077.5 M2 Water Northwest Bay D'Entrecasteaux Bay 523534.9 5233037.0 M3 Water Upper Mid Channel D'Entrecasteaux Channel 523752.2 5225262.6 M4 Water Barnes Bay D'Entrecasteaux Bay 526513.4 5224119.7 M5 Water Green Island D'Entrecasteaux Channel 524124.6 5215636.6 M6 Water Central Mid Channel D'Entrecasteaux Channel 515244.9 5204098.0 M7 Water Little Taylors Bay D'Entrecasteaux Bay 516856.5 5200018.5 M8 Water Great Taylors Bay D'Entrecasteaux Bay 512706.9 5191231.9 M9 Water Southern Boundary Boundary Channel 505506.1 5194295.7 M10 Water Lower Huon Huon Channel 506737.0 5210741.8 M11 Water Cygnet Huon Bay 507312.3 5217304.4 M12 Water Dover Huon Bay 502675.3 5202537.7 M13 Water Upper Huon Huon Channel 498550.0 5222185.0 M14 Water Mid Huon Huon Channel 500649.9 5216586.4 M15 Water Recherche Control Control (Bay) 492064.0 5178637.0 B1 Sediment Northern Boundary Boundary 527388.0 5232358.0 B2 Sediment Northwest Bay D'Entrecasteaux 524236.0 5233512.1 B3 Sediment Sheppards Point D'Entrecasteaux 524089.1 5227962.0 B4 Sediment Roberts Point D'Entrecasteaux 525224.1 5224328.0 B5 Sediment Soldiers Point D'Entrecasteaux 522337.1 5219689.9 B6 Sediment Green Island D'Entrecasteaux 524124.6 5215636.6 B7 Sediment Zuidpool D'Entrecasteaux 512422.5 5202009.5 B8 Sediment Great Taylors Bay D'Entrecasteaux 512028.0 5194349.6 B9 Sediment Lippies Point Boundary 504494.8 5195744.8 B10 Sediment Garden Island Huon 507993.2 5210570.8 B11 Sediment Deep Bay Huon 507095.0 5213795.3 B12 Sediment Dover Huon 502357.1 5202638.7 B13 Sediment Pillings Bay Huon 498167.8 5220383.2 B14 Sediment Brabazon Point Huon 500172.0 5217257.8 B15 Sediment Recherche Bay Control 492064.0 5178637.0

The following details should be recorded and reported for each sample site on each sampling event:

• time & date (the noted time must be used for all samples collected at the site, including samples collected at depth) • vessel • location (including logged DGPS fix in GDA 94, Zone 55) • personnel

• weather conditions (wind, rain, cloud cover) • what samples were collected • sample identification codes (detailing the site name/date or survey number) for each type of sample recorded on data sheet. With the exception of date and time, these site codes must remain the same for all sampling events. • any miscellaneous notes or observations, including replicate or any additional QA/QC sampling included.

2.1 Sediment Monitoring

Benthic sampling is to be conducted at all sites in March each year.

Table 2: Parameters to be assessed by way of benthic sampling.

Matrix Component Analyte/Parameter 2.1 Sediment Biota Infauna Chemistry Redox, Stable Isotopes, Particle size, Sulphide

Any person(s) undertaking monitoring must be covered by appropriate permits specific to the work. Permits include:

1. Living Marine Resources Management Act 1995 (LMRMA): Pursuant to s12 LMRMA, any person undertaking environmental monitoring in State waters must obtain a permit to do so insofar as such monitoring involves a breach of that Act.

2. Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 (TSPA): Any person knowingly collecting any specimen of a listed taxon of flora or fauna can only do so if covered by a permit issued pursuant to s51 of the TSPA. Further details can be obtained from [email protected].

2.1.1 Infauna

Infaunal samples must be collected and retained (suitably preserved) every March. A full assessment of collected infauna must be undertaken on the initial sample collection and every 4 years thereafter. Assessment of the samples retained from the intervening years may be required where sediment geo-chemistry parameters and/or the 4-yearly benthic faunal parameters are triggered. This assessment is to be performed in accordance with the “benthic faunal analysis” protocols outlined below.

Individual benthic grab samples for each annual sampling event must be processed (but not identified) and retained for at least 4 years in accordance with “Preservation/Retention of samples” below.

Benthic faunal analysis: Triplicate Van Veen grabs or diver collected wide-diameter core samples (150mm diameter x depth 100mm) are to be taken at each of the sample sites specified. Each benthic sample should be sieved through a 1 mm sieve and all fauna identified to family level and counted. It will be necessary however, to take the identification of several taxa down to species level. These groups currently include (but are not limited to) the Family Capitellidae, Family Turitellidae and all introduced marine species.

Each benthic sample must be processed separately and identically.

Preservation/Retention of Samples: All fauna collected must be preserved in formaldehyde solution. Organisms must be transferred to 70 % alcohol for long-term storage. Storage jars must be labelled (inside using waterproof paper annotated in pencil, and outside) with details of date of collection, site location, collection method, and collectors' and identifiers’ name (where applicable). The jars are to be stored for at least 4 years in a readily accessible place so that confirmation of identification can be undertaken at a later date if required.

2.1.2 Sediment Chemistry

Visual assessment, redox and sulphide

Triplicate sediment cores are to be taken using a perspex corer with an internal diameter of at least 50 mm at each sample site specified. A written description of each core recording the following parameters is required:

• length of core measured in millimetres with a ruler; • sediment colour, from the surface to deeper layers using a Munsell soil chart; • visible animal and plant life; • gas vesicles if present and the size and position of the vesicles in the sediment; • any sediment smell indicating for example, the presence/absence of hydrogen sulphide;

Redox and sulphide

The following protocols for redox and sulphide measurement have been drawn from Macleod et al. (2004). Redox potential and sulphide concentration measurements are to be taken from each sediment core. Both redox and sulphide should be measured at 3cm depth. There are a variety of redox probes available; single cell and combination electrodes. For ease of sampling the combination electrodes are recommended. Prior to each set of measurements being taken the probe should be calibrated. Pre-packaged calibration solutions can be purchased. As calibration is sensitive to temperature it is important to note the temperature of both the calibration solution and the sample at the time of sampling. It is best if these temperatures are comparable.

Corrected redox results and raw data for each core are to be reported in millivolts at 3cm depth. Depending on the sediment condition the measurement may settle quickly or it may take a few minutes. Redox measures the oxidation/reduction potential of the sediments by determining the availability of free hydroxyl ions. Measurement will itself affect this level and therefore the reading on the meter will continue to decline (albeit slowly) whilst the measurement is being made. Consequently it is not necessary for the probe to stabilise completely before taking a reading, simply ensure that the rate of decline has steadied. Note: that an error level of +/- 10-20mV in the final reading is acceptable.

There are a variety of different probes available for the measurement of sulphide concentration, but again a combination electrode is recommended. Each manufacturer will have slightly different specifications regarding use, sensitivity and calibration and these should be followed carefully. Prior to each sampling occasion, a Sulphide Anti-Oxidant Buffer (SAOB) must be prepared (see technique below) and standard curves should be established for calibration.

A sediment sub-sample (2ml) is extracted from the port in the side of the core tube using a 5ml syringe, and placed in a glass vial. SAOB (2ml) is added to each jar and sulphide concentration measured (mV) by placing the probe into the jar, and slowly stirring the sediment/buffer mix until the reading stabilises. The mV readings can be converted to sulphide concentration using the calibration curve. Samples should be collected and converted sulphide results (µM) and raw data (mV) are to be reported for 3cm depth. (TAFI, 2004).

Preparation of Sulphide Anti-Oxidant Buffer Solution (SAOB):

The SAOB solution can be purchased or it can be prepared by adding 20.0g of NaOH (Sodium Hydroxide pellets) and 17.9g of EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid) in a 250ml volumetric flask and diluting to volume with distilled water. This solution should be refrigerated until required. Just prior to use add 8.75g of ascorbic acid for every 250ml of solution required. Once ascorbic acid has been added, the solution will only remain viable for 3 hours.

Calibration of the Sulphide Probe

Macleod et al. (2004) provides information on calibration procedures for a Cole- Parmer 27502-40 silver/sulphide electrode. If an alternative probe is to be used, it is recommended that manufacturer guidelines are referred to for specific calibration details. Details of the probes used should be included in the report.

Particle size Analysis

A subsample of sediment from the top 100mm of each core should be placed in container of known volume (fill to top). Gently wet sieve each sample through a sieve stack of 4, 2, 1 mm, 500 µm, 250 µm, 125 µm, 63 µm either by hand or using a sieve shaker. The less than 63 µm fraction is allowed to drain away, i.e. not collected. The material remaining on each sieve is carefully removed and placed in a graduated cylinder. A known volume of water is added (this volume should remain

consistent throughout the procedure). The volume of sediment from this fraction is measured as the displaced volume. This process should be repeated for all sieve fractions.

The sum of all sieve fractions subtracted from the initial volume will give the less than 63 µm fraction. The data is to be provided in an Excel spreadsheet and graphed as cumulative percentages.

Alternatively samples can be provided to an external laboratory for analysis, in which case the resultant analytical report should be submitted.

Stable Isotope Analysis

Analysis of collected stable isotope samples must be undertaken in March every 4 years (commencing in 2009). In all other instances individual stable isotope samples must be collected and retained in appropriate storage for at least 3 years.

The top 3cm of each core is to be oven dried at 60 oC prior to analysis of total organic carbon (loss on ignition at 450 oC in a muffle furnace for 4 hours), 0.5-1.0g of the upper 3cm layer is to be retained for combined 12C: 13C, 14N: 15N stable isotope analysis and C:N analysis. The analysis of carbon and nitrogen isotopes and C:N ratios are to be conducted simultaneously by stable isotope mass spectrometry.

2.2 Water Quality Monitoring

Frequency of sampling

There will be a total of 15 sampling events on an annual basis. Sampling is to be undertaken on a monthly basis from May through January, and fortnightly in February, March and April.

At each sampling site nutrient and phytoplankton samples must be collected, and dissolved oxygen , temperature and salinity profiles measured, at the depths specified in Table 3, also refer Appendix 1.

Appropriate sample containers for all aspects of the water quality analyses must be sourced from a NATA accredited laboratory. Contact the laboratory for relevant storage, transport and sample submission protocols.

Table 3: Sampling depths for particular analytes/parameters.

Matrix Parameter Analyte Sample depth 2.2 Water Nutrients Surface 5m 1m above 12m depth (0.1m) seabed integrated TN x x TP x x Ammonia (total ammonical x x nitrogen) nitrate x x phosphate x x silica x x Dissolved DO x x x Oxygen Temperature x x x Salinity x x x DO saturation (derived x x x from temp/sal) Phytoplankton Pigments by way of HPLC x (including Chlorophyll a) cell counts x Abundance/diversity x

2.2.1 Nutrients

For all testing, laboratories must be NATA accredited, or recognised research laboratories and be able to report all dissolved nutrients to < or equal to 0.005 mg/L as N or P as applicable. The following requirements reflect standard sampling protocols for a NATA accredited laboratory, however the chosen laboratory(s) should be contacted for specific sample collection, handling and submission requirements. The laboratory(s) must be willing to perform spikes on at least 5% of samples submitted and provide QC data to clients.

Analytical Services Tasmania (AST) is a NATA accredited laboratory available to do the above testing and CSIRO marine laboratories (Hobart) is a recognised research laboratory.

Sample Collection for Nutrient Determination

A Niskin bottle must be used for the collection of all bottom samples. Surface samples can be collected using a pole sampler with Teflon sampling bottle. This bottle must be rinsed 3 times (whilst attached to the pole) at each site before collecting a sample. A single nutrient sample must be collected at the surface and 1m above the seabed at each site. The analytes to be measured in each sample are specified in Table 3 and appendix 1.

All methods and equipment used in water quality sampling must meet the relevant Australian and/or ISO Standard (AS/NZS 1998: Australian/New Zealand AS/NZS 5667.1:1998. Water Quality – Sampling – Guidance on the design of sampling

Programs, Sampling Techniques and the Preservation and Handling of samples.

Field filtration of samples should be instigated at the time of collection to guarantee the soluble nutrient concentrations do not alter. Filtration can be undertaken in the field using disposable hermetically sealed syringes and 0.45μm PES filters.

Before collecting any samples the following contamination issues must be noted and field personnel advised accordingly.

Contamination prevention

• Disposable powder free, vinyl (or latex, nitrile) gloves must be worn during sampling. • Glass containers must not be used for nutrient samples to be analysed for silica. • Do not touch the filter or syringe tips, Niskin bottle spigot, insides of the sample containers or caps. • Do not smoke. Avoid vapours from the engine or any other source (if safe to do so, turn engines(s) off whilst collecting samples). • Ensure eski/ transport container is clean. • Leave bottle lids upside down while sub sampling. • Do not store samples or sampling equipment near fish products. • Be mindful of potential contamination from the boat, prop wash and fuel. Aim for a representative sample from each site by observing wind, tide and current conditions.

Note that due to the sensitivity of the analysis required and the risks of contamination, smokers must not be involved in handling any of the sampling gear, containers or equipment, particularly the Niskin bottle.

Sample collection and Filtration procedure for soluble nutrients

• Before collecting the sample to be filtered, the sample container should be rinsed three times with sampled water from the niskin bottle, shaking with the cap loosely in place after each rinse. • Once the container has been rinsed as above, collect a sample • Shake sample bottle thoroughly • Assemble the filtration equipment: Remove 30mL syringe from packet. Open the sealed package containing the filter unit and connect the filter unit to the end of the syringe by screwing it on to the syringe Luer lock. • Rinse syringe: Shake the sample bottle thoroughly. Remove the plunger from the syringe and pour ~5 - 10mL of sample into the syringe. Rinse syringe barrel by swirling with the sample. Discard rinse water from the top of the syringe (not through the filter unit). • Collect the filtered sample: Fill the syringe with the well-mixed sample. Replace the plunger and discard the first 5 – 10 drops. Collect the remainder of the filtered water in a 50mL tube labelled “Filtered for Dissolved Nutrients”. • If the syringe filter fouls before the sample has been completely filtered withdraw the plunger 1 – 2mm, invert the syringe so that the point is up, remove the filter unit and replace with a new unit. Discard ~5 drops and

continue to filter. If this continues to be a problem discuss this with the laboratory staff. • One pass through the syringe will deliver ~ 30mL of sample. This is sufficient for analysis of soluble nutrients. • Discard used syringe and filter.

Total nutrients

• The remainder of the sample (~ 150 - 200mL) is used for total nutrient determination. • Leave a headspace (~ 10 % of the container volume) for aeration, mixing and thermal expansion that occurs during freezing.

• Samples should be bagged in clean plastic bags in the field to prevent contamination.

Preservation

• Return to laboratory immediately in a chilled container (4°C or less for < 24h). If this is not possible, freeze (-20°C) as soon after collection and as rapidly as possible (ensure containers are not overfilled causing containers to bulge excessively). Ensure the freezer has not been used for storage of material that could contaminate the sample, e.g. fish products.

2.2.2 Dissolved Oxygen

Dissolved oxygen is to be measured using an optical probe or membrane meter. Measurements must be taken at the prescribed depths in accordance with the operation manual supplied by the manufacturer. The dissolved oxygen probe or meter must be calibrated in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements and any calibration procedures documented for future reference and verification. Calibration solutions should be obtained from a NATA accredited laboratory.

All DO recording is to be undertaken at the same time of day for each site (+/- 2 hours). All sites in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel MFDP must be sampled first, followed by the Huon MFDP sites.

2.2.3 Phytoplankton

Sampling should be undertaken in the morning and samples collected from a site at approximately the same time of day each month. Given the variability in detection of Gymnodinium catenatum due to diurnal vertical migration in the Huon River, it is critical that sampling in this region commence no earlier than 10am and no later than 12pm.

Analysis of phytoplankton must be undertaken by a NATA accredited laboratory. Note that HPLC must be used for pigment analyses. CSIRO laboratories, Hobart have the capacity to analyse samples using this methodology, Depth integrated samples must be collected at each sample site. A 14 m length of flexible clear plastic tubing (minimum external diameter 30mm), with 1m graduations should be used. The tube should be weighted at the bottom end and lowered through the water column at approximately 1m/sec to reach a depth of 12 m or within 2 m of the bottom (whichever is deepest). The tube should then be sealed using a bung at the surface to trap the water in the tube. A rope attached to the open (bottom) end is used to retrieve the tube and sample. When brought aboard the boat, the contents of the tube must be poured into a container. Multiple deployments may be necessary to acquire sufficient sample volume. Should this occur, the sampling depth and total sampled volume (including number of dips) must be recorded for the particular sample site. The sample(s) should be gently mixed to achieve homogeneity and an appropriate amount transferred to a suitable storage container for each analytical process (refer to Aquafin CRC broadscale technical report (2005) for detail on integrated sampling methodology).

Once collected, samples must be stored in a chilled light proof container (4°C or less for < 24h). Where possible, samples should arrive at the laboratory on the same day they are collected. Contact the laboratory(s) for specific sample volume, preservation, storage and transport requirements for the analysis of the following:

• Phytoplankton taxonomy – full count (including relative abundance). Chlorophyll and carotenoid pigments by way of HPLC

2.2.4 QA/QC Requirements

QA/QC requirements specific to this monitoring schedule are detailed in Table 4. Where applicable, laboratory reports must provide detail on the reporting limits for analytes.

Table 4: Details of QA/QC requirements for monitoring conducted.

Parameter Required QA/QC Minimum frequency Variation Positioning A State Permanent Mark (SPM) and Each sampling event <3m recorded sample site positions including site position, time and date information as attribute data and be in DXF/ESRI shape file format Nutrients A duplicate filtered sample from one x1 per sampling event <20% randomly selected sample site (surface and bottom).

Field blank (should be a seawater x1 per sampling event <10% equivalent blank from laboratory). Transferred and filtered on board.

Trip blank (should be a seawater x1 per sampling event <10% equivalent blank from laboratory), taken out of eski, bagged and frozen, but not opened until analysis.

Lab spiked >5% of all samples 80-120% submitted

Laboratory intercomparison. Duplicate x1 per year <10% split samples from 3 random stations (both surface and bottom) should be analysed in an alternative independent laboratory.

Phytoplankton Analysis of a duplicate sample, drawn • 10% of all samples • ± 20% from a single integrated sample. submitted Staff from the same laboratory to • x1 for every 3 • ± 20% conduct a ‘blind’ recount of the same sampling events. sample. Recounts should yield precisions (density of top 10 species) that average ± 10% of initial count. • •

Note: The Department must be advised of any intended interlaboratory comparative sample analyses prior to the sampling event.

Sampling Equipment Maintenance

Sampling apparatus such as Niskin™ bottles must be inspected monthly prior to sampling for evidence of biological or inorganic films on the interior walls, valves or end caps. Springs (latex, silicon or metal) need to be regularly inspected and replaced. Metal springs whose coatings have worn through must be replaced and any

other sources of rust must be eliminated or adequately protected from corrosion. Accumulated microbial films should be removed using suitable brushes, scouring agents and detergent solutions. The scouring agents and/or detergents used should be checked to be certain they are nutrient-free. Rinse thoroughly and store dry.

3. Reporting of Results to the Department

3.1.1 Routine data reporting Routine monthly data reporting must be provided in accordance with Annexure 1 to this monitoring schedule.

An annual report must be submitted to the Department in July according to Annexure II to this monitoring schedule, and must include the analyses of all data collected through to the end of April for the reporting year.

All relevant permit details must be reported and all documents lodged with the Department must be approved by and submitted in full by the lease holder

References

Macleod, C., Forbes, S., Bisset, A., Burke, C., Crawford, C., Holdsworth, D., Nichols, P., Revill, A., and Volkman, J. (2004) Guide to the assessment of sediment condition at marine finfish farms. Aquafin CRC Project 4.1 Extension report to FRDC. Tasmanian Aquaculture & Fisheries Institute.

Thompson, P., Wild-Allen, K., Macleod, C., Swadling, K., Blackburn, S., Skerratt, J. and Volkman, J. Monitoring the Huon Estuary and D’Entrecasteaux Channel for the Environmental Effects of Finfish Aquaculture. June 2008 Aquafin CRC Project 4.2(2)(FRDC Project No. 2001/047)

AS/NZS 5667.1:1998: Water quality - Sampling - Guidance on the design of sampling programs, sampling techniques and the preservation and handling of samples.

Annexure I MONTHLY BROADSCALE MONITORING REPORT Water quality monitoring data must be reported to the Marine Farming Branch on a monthly basis, within one week of laboratory results being reported by the laboratory. In the event that any unusual observations are made either during sampling, as a result of laboratory analyses (eg QA/QC issues) or in any aspect of the preparation of reported data, these should be noted and accompany the data files reported by email.

Email coversheet including the following details

Lease holders’ names

Name of Person(s) / organisation conducting environmental assessment:

Details of permits held authorising sampling (LMRMA/TSPA), including permit numbers and expiry dates.

Details of all equipment used for sampling.

Data: A list specifying all data files supplied (lab reports, original data, data plots etc). Original, raw data shall be in electronic form (either on disc or via email) which is compatible with the database system and software currently used by the Department.

The data must include:

• Information consistent with the “Sampling Details” section of the monitoring schedule to which this annexure relates, for the most recent sampling event in excel format; • DGPS files DXF (Drawing Exchange Format)/ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute) shape file format providing position fixes and at least one spm (State permanent mark)reference fix. Data files are to include date and time attributes.

Water Quality: • Full laboratory reports in PDF and csv file format for the most recent sampling event, together with an excel based data template file (as determined by the Department) including temporal analyte data collected from sample sites specified in the monitoring schedule to which this Annexure relates; • Graphical and tabular presentation of all analytes referred to in the monitoring schedule to which this Annexure relates. The presentation of results is to include reported analyte values (by site, MFDP area and Bay/mid-channel sites) on a temporal basis (monthly/seasonal/annual).

Annexure II ANNUAL BROADSCALE MONITORING REPORT

Lease holders’ names

Name of Person(s) / organisation conducting environmental assessment:

Details of permits held authorising sampling (LMRMA/TSPA), including permit numbers and expiry dates.

Introduction:

Methods and results: The methods used for the assessment of each parameter, including laboratory sample collection protocols, sampling equipment. Results are to be presented in the same order as in the monitoring schedule requirements.

Data must be summarised in tables and graphs.

Interpretation: A comprehensive interpretation of the reported data and observed results must be included in the report. Any unusual results should be highlighted.

Data: Original, raw data shall be provided as hard copy and in electronic form (either on disc or via email) which is compatible with the database system and software currently used by the Department.

The data must include:

• Information consistent with the “sampling Details” section of the monitoring schedule to which this annexure relates, for the most recent sampling event; • DGPS files DXF (Drawing Exchange Format)/ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute) shape file format providing position fixes and at least one spm (State permanent mark)reference fix. Data files are to include date and time attributes.

Where site-specific temporal data exists for any of the following parameters, comparative statistical analyses must be undertaken and an interpretation of results provided.

Sediment:

• description and interpretation of core profiles; • interpretation (written and graphical) of redox results recorded from cores; • interpretation (written and graphical) of sulphide results recorded from cores; • interpretation (written and graphical) of sediment particle size analysis; • interpretation (written and graphical) of stable isotope • where relevant, an interpretation of results (written and graphical) and multivariate analyses of infaunal data.

Water Quality: • Full laboratory reports in PDF and csv file format for the most recent sampling event, together with a Microsoft Excel based data template file (as determined by the Department) including temporal analyte data collected from sample sites specified in the monitoring schedule to which this Annexure relates; • Interpretation (written and graphical/tabular) of all analytes referred to in the monitoring schedule to which this Annexure relates. The presentation of results is to include reported analyte values (by site, MFDP area and Bay/mid-channel sites) on a temporal basis (monthly/seasonal/annual). Where relevant, an interpretation of analyte data must be presented relative to standard/baseline levels (% difference) and the trigger levels specified by the DPIPWE. The person(s) responsible for compiling the annual report must contact the DPIPWE for details on baseline and/or trigger levels prior to compiling the report. • Interpretation of QA/QC data specific to analyses performed over the previous 12 period. • Discussion of any calibration-specific issues over the previous 12 month period.

APPENDIX 1 Table 1: Sampling summary for each analyte:

Total number of sites for Total number each samples per site sampling for each Matrix Component Analyte/Parameter Frequency event sampling event Method

• Infauna (baseline collection+id/ong oing collection x 3 benthic Biota annual 15 only with infaunal (seabed) grab re-evaluation every 4 years)

• Redox

• stable isotopes (frequency of sample x 3 benthic Chemistry processing annual 15 (seabed) corer

consistent with infauna, above) • particle size • sulphide Sediment • Ammonia (total ammoniacal nitrogen) • Nitrate x 2 monthly May-Jan, fortnightly Niskin Nutrients • Phosphate 15 (surface/1m Feb, March, April bottle • Silicon above seabed) • TN • TP

• DO DO/Temp/ x 3 Dissolved • Temperature monthly May-Jan, fortnightly Salinity 15 (Surface, 5m, 1m Feb, March, April Meter. Oxygen • Salinity above seabed) • DO saturation HPLC x 1 cell counts monthly May-Jan, fortnightly Integrated Phytoplankton 15 (12m depth chlorophyll a Feb, March, April sampler integrated) Abundance/diversity Water Quality

Appendix C Diagram Illustrating Proposed Stocking Plan